Dr. Debra Gershov-West is a pioneer in Emergency Medicine in Israel, known for her leadership and innovation, particularly in times of crisis. Originally from Australia, she made Aliyah and specialized in internal and emergency medicine. In 2017, she founded Israel’s first Emergency Department, staffed exclusively by Emergency Medicine physicians at Assuta Ashdod.

On October 7, Dr. Gershov-West led Assuta Ashdod’s Emergency Department through the mass casualty event treating 113 wounded soldiers and civilians, and since treating hundreds more. In response to the urgent need for frontline medical training, she established the Frontline Emergency Medicine (FEM) mobile simulation unit under the Health Research and Science NPO. With a team of over 50 international volunteers, specialists in trauma, emergency and tactical medicine, as well as support from widespread donations, FEM has conducted more than 100 workshops, training over 3,000 frontline medical professionals in critical lifesaving skills.

Dr. Gershov-West also developed the National Israeli Course in Emergency Medicine, chaired the Israeli Medical Association’s committee for evaluating Emergency Medicine practice, and co-founded a Health Ministry project to improve patient and caregiver experiences in Emergency Departments. Her contributions have significantly advanced emergency care in Israel.

Dr. Debra Gershov-West made Aliyah from Australia in 1994.