Reshaping Trauma Care: Dr. Noya Shilo’s Insights on Treating Returned Hostages

Dr. Noya Shilo, Deputy Head of Internal Medicine at Sheba Medical Center, has played a central role in a pioneering medical effort since the beginning of Israel’s conflict on October 7, being on the frontlines and caring for the hostages who were released from captivity in Gaza. Her work has shed light on the difficult physical and emotional problems these survivors face.

Dr. Shilo’s journey began with an urgent call that pulled her away from a family beach day. “Just two words made me drop everything and rush back: Hostages at Sheba,” she recalls.

These words marked the start of an extraordinary medical effort that would reshape trauma care. The returnees, while appearing outwardly resilient, carry deep, unseen scars. “Their injuries are extraordinarily deep, both physically and mentally,” Dr. Shilo explains.

Innovative, Holistic Approach

The trauma they suffer goes far beyond physical injuries. It includes deep psychological scars from violent abduction, months of captivity, and the lasting effects of poor nutrition and lack of medical care. Sheba has prepared for numerous scenarios, from the potential need for advanced life support to specialized care for pregnant women and sexual assault survivors. Yet, treating returned hostages required an entirely new approach. “We had to reinvent medicine,” Dr. Shilo states, emphasizing the lack of protocols for such unique circumstances.

The hospital created a special facility that combines top-notch medical gear with comforting touches like colorful blankets and toiletries. This setup helps returnees transition from captivity to recovery, addressing both their physical and emotional needs. On top of that, Dr. Shilo and her team created a unique care plan that brings together experts from many fields. “We work together, physical health professionals and mental health professionals, as one unit,” she explains. This approach recognizes that physical and mental health are closely linked in trauma recovery.

Embracing Both Joy and Sorrow

The care also involves carefully managing information. Breaking bad news to returnees, like telling them about loved ones who died, is one of the toughest parts of their care. The team works to manage both happy and sad moments, letting these opposite feelings coexist while giving needed support. Dr. Shilo explains the challenge of helping returnees understand what happened while they were gone: “We quickly realized that when information was received in an unregulated manner, it was very traumatic, terrifying, and apocalyptic for them.”

The long-term impact of captivity manifests in various ways, including nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss, and worsened pre-existing conditions. Dr. Shilo emphasizes the need for ongoing care: “We will support them for the rest of their lives and help them deal with whatever comes.”

Long-Term Support and Resilience

Even with all the challenges, Dr. Shilo finds inspiration in the resilience of the returnees. She notes their complex perspectives, having experienced life on both sides of the conflict. “They are Israelis who saw Gaza from the inside, and they deeply understand the reality,”

While the recovery continues, Dr. Shilo and her team remain committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care. Their experience with the returnees has not only transformed trauma treatment but also reinforced the profound impact of human-centered medicine.

In Dr. Shilo’s words: “It is a great privilege to treat them, a life-changing experience” – one that may shape the future of medical care far beyond the walls of Sheba Medical Center.