From Combat Veteran to Medical Student: Paratrooper Begins Studies at Ariel University
Twenty-four-year-old Maayan, a combat veteran who served in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, has begun his studies in the inaugural six-year medical program at Ariel University after completing over 300 days of reserve duty.
From the Battlefield to Medical Studies
For 24-year-old Maayan, life was supposed to be about physics, mathematics, or engineering. However, his extensive combat service as a paratrooper during the Swords of Iron war fundamentally altered his path, leading him to begin his medical studies this week in the six-year program at Ariel University.
Eighty young men and women began their studies this year in the inaugural six-year medical program at the Prof. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine. They join 140 students already enrolled in the school's four-year track, which has been operating since 2019.
A Turning Point Under Fire
Maayan served in the Paratroopers Brigade, fighting in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Despite completing his mandatory service, he has continued active reserve duty, accumulating over 300 days of reserve service over the past year and a half.
"When I fought in Gaza, our team faced terrorists and encountered an incident with nine wounded and one killed. I felt that as a combat soldier I knew what to do in terms of firing and tactical handling, but regarding medical treatment, I only knew basics like applying a tourniquet. Seeing one of our soldiers bleeding and feeling helpless frustrated me. That was the moment I realized I wanted to be a doctor," Maayan shared.
Balancing Reserves and Academic Dreams
Preparing for medical school required an intense journey of psychometric exams and personality tests while simultaneously serving in the reserves. The acceptance letter arrived just before the academic year began, marking the realization of a lifelong dream for Maayan, who recently married.
"It is an absolute privilege to be part of the first cohort of the faculty," Maayan noted, adding that his wife, who recently completed her IDF career service, also aspires to study medicine in the future.
