Dr. Sheli Gat Balances Anesthesia Residency and Advocacy for Breastfeeding After Home Schooling Five Children
Dr. Sheli Gat, now 54, is a mother of five adult children and a specialist anesthesiologist in training, currently navigating one of the most demanding medical residencies in Israel. Her journey began 26 years ago when, at age 28 and a mechanical engineering student at Tel Aviv University, she gave birth to her first son, Yiftach. Struggling with the conflict of leaving her newborn with a caregiver to continue her studies, she experienced lasting emotional pain from that early separation.
After the birth of her second son, Eitan, Gat decided not to return to her engineering career. Instead, she embraced homeschooling and became deeply involved in breastfeeding support, training as a lactation consultant and founding breastfeeding clinics in her community of Beit Herut. She homeschooled all five children, now aged 26 to 16, blending structured learning with a flexible approach that balanced responsibility and freedom.
Her upbringing in a kibbutz with communal sleeping arrangements influenced her educational philosophy. A major turning point came when the family relocated to Argentina for her husband's work. There, at age 43, Gat began studying medicine in Spanish, despite language barriers, dedicating long hours to mastering medical concepts. Upon returning to Israel, she passed the licensing exam and started a residency at Meir Medical Center.
Although many expected her to specialize in pediatrics or gynecology, Gat chose anesthesiology, citing its technical challenges and the meaningful, albeit brief, patient interactions during critical moments. She recently passed the rigorous first stage of her residency exams and continues to integrate her passion for breastfeeding medicine, co-authoring an updated Israeli breastfeeding guide and advocating for improved breastfeeding practices.
Gat highlights the cultural challenges facing breastfeeding mothers today, including the rise of breast pump use influenced by social media and the decline of direct breastfeeding. She also notes the psychological toll of isolation on new mothers, especially during prolonged crises. Despite her demanding medical career, she remains committed to supporting mothers, sometimes assisting with breastfeeding immediately after cesarean deliveries in the operating room, uniquely combining her medical expertise and maternal advocacy.
