Druze Pharmacist Earns Medical Degree, Rejoins IDF on a New Mission

Amir Salameh, a Druze from the village of Hurfeish, has fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. His remarkable journey, marked by determination and dedication, has led him to rejoin the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a military doctor, showcasing his unwavering commitment to Israel.

Salameh initially pursued pharmacy studies through the IDF’s military cadet program after not being accepted into medical school. Despite this setback, he never abandoned his true passion. "The Druze community proves time and again our uncompromising loyalty to the state. I am proud to join the IDF as a doctor and to have the privilege of serving Israel," Salameh said after receiving his doctoral degree from Bar-Ilan University earlier this week.

From a young age, Salameh's parents knew their son was destined to achieve his dreams. At 19, he began his pharmacy studies through the IDF program. However, upon completing his studies and working as a pharmacist, he realized the profession didn’t fully utilize his potential. "I wanted to do more, have a greater impact on patients, and heal and save lives," he told Maariv.

Determined to pursue his true calling, Salameh enrolled in Bar-Ilan University's medical program, which accepted applicants with academic degrees based on their grades. As an outstanding student, he was readily accepted and this week, he proudly received his Doctor of Medicine degree.

At 23, after a year of service as a military pharmacist, he returned to school at the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee. "I was happy to study in the north not only because it was close to home but because I connected with the faculty's mission to impact life in the periphery. I am a proud resident of the Galilee and will stay here," Salameh said.

After completing his medical studies, Salameh undertook a year-long internship at Ziv Hospital in Safed, finishing with honors. In recent months, he has been working there as a practicing doctor. In the coming month, Salameh will return to military service as a battalion doctor, with plans to specialize in neurology.

"Very few pharmacists transition to medicine because the first degree in pharmacy is very complex and requires significant investment. As a pharmacist, I already knew how medication works, how it would affect patients, and exactly what diseases it is for. Therefore, the combination of pharmacy and medicine is winning, and I believe it makes me a better doctor," Salameh explained.

Despite the challenges facing the Druze community in Israel, including frustration over government treatment and the Nation-State Law, Salameh remains motivated to contribute to the state. "The Druze are breaking the glass ceiling generation after generation," he said. "We prove that we are ordinary citizens, even if part of the population here doesn't see it. We prove our uncompromising loyalty to this state even when we receive less. I am proud of the community of my belonging, and it won't change due to any political situation."

The Druze community in Israel is known for its loyalty to the state, serving in the military and actively contributing to Israeli society. While the Nation-State Law, passed in 2018, has been a point of contention, Salameh’s dedication remains steadfast. "We have had a connection to the land and the homeland from time immemorial, and we have a commitment and a privilege to serve the state and give our part. This is the education we want to lead forward to future generations."

Amir Salameh's journey from pharmacy to medicine exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and dedication that characterizes the Druze community in Israel. His story is an inspiring testament to the strength of dreams and the power of commitment to a greater cause. Share this story to inspire others, and consider subscribing to our newsletter for more uplifting stories about the people who make Israel extraordinary.