Jul 23, 2025
In this inspiring episode of
IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes back Dr. Tsvi Sheleg,
Deputy Director of the Galilee Medical Center (GMC), to discuss the
groundbreaking innovations and unwavering resilience of Israel’s
northernmost hospital. Broadcasting from just five miles south of
the Lebanese border, Dr. Sheleg reveals how GMC transformed wartime
challenges into opportunities for technological and humanitarian
leadership.
Dr. Sheleg—an accomplished
ophthalmologist, medical administrator, and decorated Israel
Defense Forces officer—shares how GMC’s underground, missile-proof
facilities enabled continuous care during recent conflicts. He also
spotlights the hospital’s innovation hub, “GMC Playground,” which
has launched dozens of health-tech collaborations and startups,
with support from Microsoft and Viz.ai.
A vocal champion of diversity,
Dr. Sheleg describes how Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and
Circassians work side-by-side at GMC, treating soldiers and
civilians alike—including over 3,000 wounded Syrians during their
civil war. His call to action is clear: support Israel’s Galilee,
where health-tech meets heart, and where healing transcends
borders.
Dr. Tsvi Sheleg, MD, MBA, serves as Deputy
Director of the Galilee Medical Center, overseeing emergency
preparedness and founding the hospital’s renowned Innovation
Program. An ophthalmologist by training, he continues to perform
cataract surgeries and was recognized for his leadership as
COVID-19 project manager. A decorated IDF officer, Dr. Sheleg
serves as medical director of the IDF Field Hospital and has led
humanitarian missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Turkey. He earned his
medical degree from Ben-Gurion University and an executive MBA from
Tel Aviv University. Born in Tel Aviv, he lives in Mitzpe Hila with
his wife and two children.