The Chance of a Lifetime

Cpt. Margarita serves in the IDF’s Medical Corps as a nurse and is the head of the “Safety and Protocol” section. After moving to Israel with her family at the age of 14, Cpt. Margarita realized her dream of giving back to others and saving lives through medicine.

03.03.18
IDF Editorial Team

“Ever since I moved to Israel with my family, it was clear that I wanted to work in medicine. Already in 11th grade, when I started thinking about the army, I knew that I wanted to do something meaningful that I loved and serve in a position that would let me give back.

I decided to study to become a nurse and save lives. I completed my bachelor's degree at the Recanati School for Community Health Professions Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and I participated in a two-year internship at the Soroka Medical Center for infants, children, and premature infants.

 

Nowadays, I am the head of the ‘Safety and Protocol’ section of the Medical Corps. I serve in the corps’ headquarters, and my positions mostly revolves around ensuring that everything runs as it should and that there are little to no mistakes. I get reports about events and then come to a conclusion about what should be done and pass on my decision to the staff in the Medical Corps. From the most senior officials to the newest soldiers, I make sure everyone learns from their mistakes.

I love my work, and as long as I can give back and enjoy, I’ll keep serving in my position. It's a mission that enriches you and gives you the opportunity to contribute and do special things you can not imagine. I had the privilege of doing things that I wouldn't have been able to do elsewhere. I even got to go on two humanitarian aid missions abroad, which were two of the most significant moments of my life.

I think the main thing that is common amongst people who are interested in studying to become IDF nurses is their love of people and desire to help others. After serving in a lot of different positions, I’m still learning new things and always think about how to contribute and do what is best for IDF soldiers’ health.

During my military service I took part in two humanitarian aid missions - Nepal and Haiti. Both of them were tremendous opportunities to help save lives and I’m really proud of my participation in both. I got a rare opportunity. The fact that I did this in uniform, with the Israeli flag flying in the air and the whole world seeing our actions - I felt national pride. My twin sister, who is also a nurse in the IDF, shares this feeling and our personalities are very similar, and it’s no coincidence that we both chose the same path. We both grew up in the Medical Corps, and it is fun that this experience connects us on professional and personal levels.”