From military to medical: challenges faced by Israeli male plastic surgeons with dual roles post October 7

Israel Affairs 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yoad Govrin-Yehudain, Meghna Girish, Lior Heller, E. Hadad, Alex Sorkin, Shaked Menashe, Omer Hadar, Sharon Moscovici, Omer Dor, Jacky Govrin-Yehudain, Re’em Sadeh, Gal Bracha
+3 more Ehud Fliss, Yoav Barnea, Orel Govrin-Yehudain
DOI: 10.1080/13537121.2025.2515101
Cited by: 0
References: 51

Abstract

Israeli plastic surgeons treating patients injured in the October 7 attack by Hamas face several challenges, including an increased patient load, emotional stress, dilemmas regarding their roles during wartime, the need to balance hospital obligations with reserve military service, and uncertainty about their necessity at home versus on the front lines. Ten Israeli male plastic surgeons were interviewed about these challenges. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) coping with war related stress, (2) personal and community challenges, (3) ethical dilemmas and moral choices, and (4) lived experiences following October 7, highlighting the complexities of fulfiling two roles amidst the ongoing conflict.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Health and Conflict Studies Disaster Response and Management Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Publication details

Journal / source
Israel Affairs
Volume
32
Issue
3
Pages
317–340
Publication date
5 February 2026
Language
EN