Adam Abdelatif’s life in war-torn Sudan was complicated enough without the illness and disability he faced. Eventually he would undergo life-saving treatment at Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel. Now, the man who asked Israel for help has become the one giving it to hospitalized Israelis.
Adam Abdelatif (center) with some of his colleagues. Photography: Rambam HCC.
Thirty-eight-year-old Adam Abdelatif’s life in war-torn Sudan was complicated; since the age of three, he had lived in a war-torn country. Against all odds, Abdelatif fled the country and journeyed to Israel some 12 years ago. His new life was filled with uncertainty and challenges. As a ‘stateless’ refugee, he was ineligible for the health benefits afforded to Israeli citizens. Wandering from place to place and job to job, he was forced to do manual labor. His health was compromised by a persistent lung infection, affecting his ability to work. Untreated, his illness worsened and became severe.
Abdelatif turned to the V’Ahavta Clinic in Haifa, which provides free medical services to those in need. Two years ago, after multiple tests, he was told that his condition was life-threatening and was referred to Dr. Amit Katz, director of Rambam’s Department of Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Katz recalls, “When I met him, I saw that he was a smart, shy young man with a lot to offer, but his illness limited him considerably. After advanced image testing was performed at Rambam, we decided surgery was necessary. Although the surgery was complex, the outcome was successful, and that is also due to Adam’s extraordinary willpower.”
Even though Abdelatif’s health improved significantly, he required further hospitalization. While discussing his condition, Dr. Katz asked Abdelatif what he would like to do with his life. Unhesitatingly, he replied, “I’d like to work at Rambam – in this Department.”
By now, Abdelatif had received Israeli citizenship, allowing him better job opportunities. Dr. Katz contacted Nissim Haim, one of Rambam’s deputy directors, who initiated the employment process to make Abdelatif’s dream come true.
Abdelatif now works in the Department of Thoracic Surgery with Dr. Katz. Every morning, he dons his purple uniform and smiles. Liliana Biton, the department’s head nurse, confirms, “Adam is part of the team. He loves his job, and rightly so, he is very proud of himself.”
Abdelatif’s family and friends in Sudan call him ‘Doctor,’ and his Israeli friends are equally supportive. “I love helping people, and now I do what I always wanted. I feel at home; the staff are my family, and Dr. Katz is like a brother.” He continues, “I love talking to the patients; I was once in a similar situation. I understand their needs.”
As for the future, Abdelatif wants to become a nurse in the same department – “I will be good at it, I know,” he says.
Dr. Katz is confident that Abdelatif has a bright future at the hospital. “Rambam is an amazing organization. The power of medicine positively impacts patients’ emotional wellbeing; it supports them and allows them to flourish.” With a broad smile, Katz concludes, “I hope all of Adam’s dreams come true; he has the skills, and as far as I am concerned, he is here for a long time to come.”
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