Shaare Zedek Appoints Two Prominent Immigrant Physicians to Key Neurosurgery Roles
Shaare Zedek Medical Center announced the appointment of two prominent immigrant physicians: British neurologist Dr. Jeremy Rees and American neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Agion, bolstering specialist care amid national medical shortages.
Amid growing concerns over the emigration of physicians and a shortage of medical specialists in Israel, Shaare Zedek Medical Center announced the appointment of two prominent doctors who recently immigrated to the country. Dr. Jeremy Rees, a neurologist from the United Kingdom, has been appointed Head of the Neuro-Oncology Unit, while Dr. Daniel Agion, a neurosurgeon from the United States, has been appointed Head of the Spinal Neurosurgery Unit.
Dr. Agion’s immigration follows a period in Israel during the outbreak of the war, when he was vacationing with his family on October 7. Following the Hamas terror attacks, he voluntarily traveled to the south to treat wounded soldiers and civilians. A volunteer with United Hatzalah since 2023, Agion has now permanently relocated with his family to join Shaare Zedek's neurosurgery department.
"Immigrating to Israel and working at Shaare Zedek is a dream come true for me," Dr. Agion stated upon his appointment. "Leaving everything behind and moving with an entire family to a new place comes with many challenges, but we are proud of our choice. From the very first moment, I felt a warm and homely atmosphere at Shaare Zedek, and it was important for me to join one of Israel's leading medical centers."
Over the past decade, Dr. Agion served as a brain and spine surgeon at Memorial Regional Hospital and Memorial Hospital West in Florida, as well as Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Alongside his clinical work, he has trained medical staff and mentored residents. During his career, he received the Physician of Valor Award from Memorial Hospital West for dedication, clinical excellence, and courage in life-saving decisions.
Dr. Nevo Margalit, Head of the Neurosurgery Department at Shaare Zedek, emphasized the critical need to bolster medical personnel. "Spinal surgery presents complex challenges, and the demand for leading experts is steadily growing. Amid a severe shortage of neurosurgeons in Israel, Dr. Agion's arrival is dramatic. His clinical experience is a significant addition to the department and will elevate patient care in Jerusalem and nationwide," he noted.
Expanding Neuro-Oncology Care in Jerusalem
Dr. Jeremy Rees brings decades of international experience to his new role. After a 26-year career in the United Kingdom holding senior positions in adult neurology and neuro-oncology, he immigrated to Israel for Zionist convictions and joined Shaare Zedek's neurology department.
In his new position, Dr. Rees will coordinate and oversee treatment for patients suffering from brain and spinal tumors, working closely with the Brain Tumor Unit headed by Dr. Idan Fladour and the Radiotherapy Institute led by Prof. Aharon Allon. In the UK, Dr. Rees served as a senior neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Queen Square, London, and Cleveland Clinic London, alongside academic roles at UCL.
"Despite the challenges, the decision to immigrate was clear to me," Dr. Rees said. "My family and I chose the right timing and did so with pride and excitement. I am confident that through cooperation with the neurosurgery and radiotherapy teams, we will provide professional, dedicated, and compassionate care to our patients."
Prof. Ofer Marin, Director General of Shaare Zedek, praised both appointments, highlighting Dr. Rees's Zionist commitment and Dr. Agion's dedication during the October 7 emergency as inspiring examples of medical dedication to the country.
