Sharon Stein Merken has dedicated her career to understanding how environmental and societal factors shape health outcomes. A PhD graduate from Johns Hopkins University, Sharon spent two decades as a researcher and lecturer at the UCLA School of Medicine before moving to Israel three and a half years ago. Her research, initially focused on health disparities in the U.S., now examines how social and environmental factors contribute to health inequality in Israel’s universal healthcare system, particularly during times of crisis.
Investigating Volunteering’s Role During Wartime
Sharon’s research, in collaboration with Liat Ornstein, is focused on how volunteering and civic engagement might influence mental and physical well-being. Sharon explains, “What we started doing was thinking about how these volunteering efforts in Israel might help soften the health effects of trauma.”
Recognizing the high level of civic participation in Israel, the research explores how these behaviors contribute to individual and collective resilience. Sharon notes, “I was always struck by the fact that civic engagement in Israel is very high. And I was interested in looking at how that might affect health.” The research is continuing to expand with a second study currently underway.
Shaping Global Mental Health Strategies
Sharon’s research is poised to help shape mental health strategies for communities affected by trauma, both in Israel and globally. By exploring how civic engagement fosters resilience, her work aims to uncover how such activities can support both individual and collective well-being in times of crisis. Sharon emphasizes the importance of sharing these findings in a neutral, apolitical way, so that lessons can be learned from both the challenges and successes faced during difficult times. “I really hope we can disseminate science in an apolitical way that allows us to learn from unfortunate and fortunate situations, which allows us to move forward and help each other as a global community,” she says.
By combining her expertise in mental health with Sheba’s leadership in battlefield medicine, trauma care, and rehabilitation, Sharon’s research is contributing to setting new international standards of care. Through these efforts, she reflects Sheba Medical Center’s commitment to driving innovation in global healthcare and advancing public health worldwide.
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