The Cincinnati Chapter of Hadassah hosted its inaugural Red & Black Chai Society Brunch on Sunday, March 9, 2014 to kick off Hadassah's newest level of giving, Chai Society. Dr. Shelly Ben Harush Negari, a Hadassah Medical Center pediatric doctor from Israel who is here on a fellowship at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, spoke about eating disorders and the importance of the establishment of a multidisciplinary program that will address the needs of these patients. Julie Torem and Pilar Samuel were the event co-chairs.
The event was held at the home of Diane Yasgur. Pilar Samuel, the event co-chair welcomed everyone to the brunch and introduced chapter President, Bonnie Ullner, and National Board members, Teri Junker and Carol Ann Schwartz. Bonnie Ullner spoke about the benefits of the new Chai Society level of giving and "Where to Make Your Impact" before Dr. Negari was introduced.
Dr. Negari spoke about eating disorders and how difficult they are to treat. Her presentation included how we cannot stereotype what people will look like or act like if they have an eating disorder, and how different eating disorders can be triggered by social media. She has been with Cincinnati Children's Hospital for over a year working in adolescent care, has worked in the Cincinnati Children's clinic, and advised on cases on a national basis. She shared some of her case studies at the brunch. "We must look at the patient as a whole and not just that he or she is not eating. Just because they look healthy, does not mean that their body is healthy. There is so much to learn, even from a conversation."
On a more personal note, Dr. Negari spoke about her younger sister Shiri, who was murdered on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 by a Palestinian suicide bomber, while on her way to work. "From something horrible, has come good. From her operating room, I now delivered babies. We have learned how to treat trauma patients in confined spaces. And in turn, we have shared that knowledge with others: Hadassah trauma Doctors taught the E.R. Doctors in Boston."
Dr. Negari is in Cincinnati on a three year fellowship with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center as part of their Israel Exchange Program. The Israel Exchange Program at Cincinnati Children's recognizes that Israel is a global leader in research, innovation and technology. Cincinnati Children's is a leader in delivering complex pediatric care and breakthrough research. Working as partners through the Israel Exchange Program, it is a goal to make research and technological advances that benefit the globe, more expertly train scientists and pediatric providers and improve clinical care for children around the world.
