Heavy mourning in the healthcare system: The esteemed doctor has passed away
He dedicated his life to his patients, served as the first district geriatrician for Clalit in Tel Aviv, and even survived a severe and violent attack in the past while on duty. Now, his family and colleagues are saying goodbye to him with pain.
Dr. Doron Tsali (of blessed memory), the first district geriatrician for Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv-Yafo, has passed away. A statement released noted that Tsali was a dedicated and esteemed doctor, a loyal partner on the path, and a loving father who dedicated his life to his family and his patients.
His funeral will take place today, Monday, at the cemetery in Ness Ziona.
During his years of activity in the healthcare system, Dr. Tsali filled a central role in the field of geriatrics. Alongside his work as a district geriatrician for Clalit Health Services in Tel Aviv, he also served in the past as a hospitalization inspector at the Reut Hospital.
Tsali's name made headlines in the 2000s after the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court ruled in his favor for compensation following a severe attack he experienced while fulfilling his duties. According to the details published at the time, the incident occurred against the backdrop of a professional decision he made regarding the transfer of a patient from a rehabilitation ward to a complex nursing ward, after the rehabilitation attempts made for her did not succeed.
Two of the patient's sons opposed the decision and demanded that Dr. Tsali return their mother to the rehabilitation ward. After he refused their request and explained the professional considerations behind it, the two threatened him and subsequently attacked him violently. During the attack, he was struck in the face, chest, and other parts of his body, pushed against a wall, and thrown to the ground. A doctor who tried to intervene and distance the attackers was also injured.
As a result of the violence, Dr. Tsali suffered a concussion, a fracture of the cheekbone, fractures in his hand, bruises, and other injuries. Alongside the physical injuries, it was claimed that the incident also left him with psychological trauma.
Both attackers admitted to their actions and were convicted of offenses of causing grievous bodily harm under aggravating circumstances, threats, and assaulting a public servant. In the civil proceeding, the court determined that they were responsible for the attack and ordered them to pay Dr. Tsali 120,000 shekels for pain and suffering and another 40,000 shekels for loss of wages. Additionally, legal fees in the amount of 20,000 shekels were awarded in his favor.
Despite the severe injury he experienced, Dr. Tsali returned to his regular work and continued his medical mission. Now, his family members, colleagues, and patients are saying goodbye to someone described as a dedicated doctor, an esteemed professional, and a loving father who dedicated his life to those around him.
