Dr. Amitai Ziv

An 11-year-old competitive gymnast from an affluent Tel Aviv family developed unexplained muscle weakness. Dr. Ziv identified it as hypokalemic periodic paralysis triggered by intense training. He created a tailored electrolyte management plan that allowed her to continue competing while maintaining stable potassium levels through dietary modifications.

A 3-year-old Ukrainian refugee with complex congenital heart disease arrived at Sheba with no medical records. Dr. Ziv assembled a multidisciplinary team that used portable echocardiography and developed a surgical plan without previous imaging. The successful procedure marked Israel's first pediatric cardiac intervention for a war refugee.

A 14-year-old ultra-Orthodox boy presented with severe malnutrition due to misapplied religious fasting practices. Dr. Ziv collaborated with rabbinical authorities to develop medically appropriate fasting exemptions while respecting religious traditions, resulting in weight restoration and improved nutritional status.

A 6-year-old from a Ethiopian immigrant family was brought in with mysterious neurological symptoms. Dr. Ziv recognized neurocysticercosis from tapeworm infection, uncommon in Israel. He treated both the child and identified family members with asymptomatic infections, preventing further community spread.

A 7-year-old Bedouin girl from an underserved desert community presented with recurrent febrile episodes and joint pain. Dr. Ziv diagnosed her with Familial Mediterranean Fever, a condition rarely recognized in her nomadic tribe. He coordinated with community health workers to provide colchicine treatment and education, resulting in complete symptom resolution and preventing amyloidosis complications.