Helena Kagan

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Helena Kagan (September 25, 1889 – August 22, 1978) was a pioneering pediatrician and a prominent figure in the field of medicine in Israel. She is widely recognized for her contributions to the healthcare of children in Jerusalem and for her role in establishing pediatric care in the region.

Early Life and Education

Helena Kagan was born in Tashkent, then part of the Russian Empire. She pursued her medical studies at the University of Bern in Switzerland, where she graduated with a degree in medicine in 1910. Following her graduation, she specialized in pediatrics, a field that was still in its infancy at the time.

Career

In 1914, Kagan moved to Jerusalem, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. She quickly became involved in the local medical community and began working at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center. Her work was instrumental in improving the health and welfare of children in the city.

During her career, Kagan established several pediatric clinics and was a key figure in the development of pediatric services in Mandatory Palestine. She was also involved in the training of new generations of pediatricians, ensuring the continuation of high standards in child healthcare.

Contributions and Legacy

Helena Kagan's contributions to pediatric medicine in Israel are numerous. She was a founding member of the Hadassah Medical Organization and played a significant role in the establishment of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's medical school. Her work earned her numerous accolades, including the Israel Prize in 1975 for her special contribution to society and the State of Israel.

Kagan's legacy continues to influence the field of pediatrics in Israel. The Helena Kagan Pediatric Hospital in Jerusalem is named in her honor, serving as a testament to her lifelong dedication to children's health.

Personal Life

Helena Kagan never married and dedicated her life to her medical career and the children she cared for. She passed away in 1978 in Jerusalem, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and medical excellence.

See Also

• Pediatrics
• Shaare Zedek Medical Center
• Hadassah Medical Organization
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Israel Prize