We catch up with Amit Davidson, an orthopaedic surgeon who recently made the move from Jerusalem to Leeds, to work at LGI.
Amit Davidson is taking a two year break from his post as an orthopaedic surgeon at Shaare Zadek Medical Centre in Jerusalem to come and work in the trauma centre at LGI, one of the biggest and most comprehensive trauma centres in the world. This comes as no surprise, as five of the NHS’s six headquarters reside in Leeds, making it a healthcare hub. Amit will be doing a fellowship under Dr. Peter Giannoudis, one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the business.
Hi Amit! How come you moved from Israel to sunny Leeds?
I trained in orthopaedic surgery, and then early on in my training I decided to go into trauma, which deals with things like fractured pelvises and skeletal injuries. I came here to work at LGI, which has one of the biggest trauma centres in the UK, and the head of trauma there is one of the foremost orthopaedic surgeons in the world. We arrived here in September, and I started work just last month. We’re going to be here for two years and then head back after I’ve finished my stint at LGI.
How are you finding living in here in LS17?
We were really surprised by some of the good things we’ve experienced here, because we didn’t know what to expect when we arrived. People have been very friendly and have helped us a lot. The community helped us to find a house and furniture. I have four children who moved here with me and my wife. Mainly people have been really helpful with the kids, helping them make friends and start new schools up here.
Is it living up to what you expected?
It’s much better. We really didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t even been here before. I went to London once as a child but that’s it. Leeds is a lovely city, filled with lovely people who’ve been very welcoming and open.
Is living here very different from living in Israel?
Yes, more things are different than are the same. The atmosphere here is much calmer. There are long weekends, which is something we enjoy. Sunday is a workday in Israel. Leeds is also very multicultural. Israel is too, but it’s different cultures than here. Every day there’s a lot to learn and gain from my neighbours and colleagues and their different perspectives and lives. There are some parts which are the same too. We lived in Jerusalem, close to a big city but it’s still not the centre where everything is happening. Leeds is like that too, it’s a big city, but it still has a nice, easy-going environment. We really love the nature, and we try to go out in it as often as possible. It’s a really amazing area.
How is your family finding the move?
It’s a really big change for them. Especially for the older children, who’ve had to leave their friends and close family back in Israel. And my wife had to stop her work for a while. But I think that my family has gained a lot from the move and they’re happy to be here. Family-wise, we have more time together now, and they’re getting to learn English first-hand, which is really important for them. And we’re all excited to experience a different place and a different way of living.