Getting to Know: Ariel Hirschhorn
Ariel Hirschhorn is an Attending Surgeon in the Oral and Maxillofacial surgery department at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he uses his surgical skills to change lives for the better.
Where are you now?
Tel Aviv, Israel
What's your official title?
Attending Surgeon, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center.
What is your educational background?
I attained my DMD from the Hadassah School of Dental Medicine at Hebrew University, in Jerusalem, Israel. I completed my residency program at the Sheba Medical Center, and I completed a maxillofacial surgery fellowship at The University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland.
Why did you become a surgeon?
I enjoy very much teamwork and love the O.R. setting. I was always fascinated by the great impact that surgery has on peoples' lives. Surgery is challenging and I love the challenge.
“I enjoy very much teamwork and love the O.R. setting. I was always fascinated by the great impact that surgery has on peoples' lives. Surgery is challenging and I love the challenge.”
What is your area of specialty?
Trauma surgery, dental implants, and bone grafts.
What's the best professional advice that anyone ever gave you?
To treat every patient using a patient-centered approach—my mentor treated every patient in a holistic manner. To also provide excellent surgical care, moral support, and meticulous post-operative treatment.
What books are on your nightstand?
Ted Talks—the official TED guide to public speaking.
Coffee or tea?
Cappuccino in the morning, and green tea in the afternoon.
Name five artists on your iPod
Maroon5, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Nora Jones, and Leonard Cohen.
What is most fulfilling to you in your work?
Having the ability to aid people in need. I think that surgery is quite unique. It holds the ability to definitively resolve complex conditions.
“Having the ability to aid people in need. I think that surgery is quite unique. It holds the ability to definitively resolve complex conditions.”
Tell us about the most important experience in your life as a surgeon
In 2015, I was part of a group of field hospital staff that was sent to treat Nepal's earthquake victims. The devastation was enormous. It was the first time that a maxillofacial surgeon attended such a mission. Although operating in a tent, we managed to operate and reconstruct complex facial fractures. It was a positive experience for me personally and professionally. Aiding a country in need, by treating its' casualties, was quite unique.
If you weren't working in the medical field, what would your dream job be?
Entrepreneur.
Do you have a mantra or favorite saying?
“Everything flows”—Panta Rhei.
In a few words, what does AO CMF mean to you?
AOCMF is a prestigious organization that provides a multi-channel platform for the professional development of surgeons globally. It carries the ability to bring up-to-date knowledge to almost every corner of the world. It has also enabled me to socialize, and to establish friendly contacts with surgeons from all over the world.