A Heartfelt Thank You to a Doctor Who Cares

By Mushka S.

I just want to express a tremendous, public and long overdue Hakoras Hatov to Dr Isserof and the ODA team.

Thirty minutes before Shmini Atzeres, which was Erev Shabbos, I had some concerning medical symptoms. Had it been a regular day, I probably would have waited to see what would happen next, or made a regular appointment at the doctor, but being that Yom Tov was in just half an hour, I didn’t know if I’d be able to wait. 

The Dr’s office was closed. I needed some medical advice and quite urgently. My symptoms weren’t urgent, life-threatening symptoms that necessitated Hatzalah, but it was definitely very concerning, and I needed to know if I could wait until after Simchas Torah to take care of this, or not.

And I had no idea who to turn to.

Thankfully, a family member told me that ODA has an emergency line. I quickly dialed the number and spoke to an operator who asked me about my symptoms. She listened and told me a doctor would call me within 20 minutes. This was already ten minutes to Licht Bentchen. As my children lit their candles, I waited for the phone call.

I assumed a random doctor affiliated with the ODA, so imagine my surprise and huge relief when I got a phone call from Dr Isseraff, less then 10 minutes to Skiyah.

He listened to my symptoms and, within seconds, gave me a positive diagnosis. He assured me that I did not need to go to the hospital in this instance, and he presented it with such presence and clarity. He gave me and my family a true Simchas Yom Tov. 

Now, over a month later, just writing these words, I can still feel the wave of appreciation again.

I don’t know if you know that this service exists. I don’t know if we know how lucky we are to have such a kind medical team. I definitely didn’t know about this. And I just need to express my thanks to Dr. Isseroff, Dr. Rosen, and the whole team for being there for us, humbly, quietly, and always available.