Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, commonly known as "Doctor Mike" is a US physician, media personality, writer, and philanthropist with more than 250 million views online took time out of his busy schedule in Israel to come and visit Save a Child’s Heart at the Wolfson Medical Center and the Children’s Home.

During his visit at Wolfson Medical Center and at the Save a Child’s Heart Children’s Home, Dr Mike met children from around the world brought to Israel by Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) for lifesaving heart treatments. Dr Mike met doctors from SACH partner sites who are currently in training in Israel and spoke to the SACH volunteers from the US, Canada, the UK and Israel.

Doctor Mike was introduced to Save a Child’s Heart 5,000th patient: fifteen month old Fatma, who was brought to Israel from Zanzibar for lifesaving heart surgery. Fatma was accompanied by her mother Balkis, who herself suffered the same heart disease as a child, and was also brought to Israel 20 years ago by SACH for lifesaving treatment.

Balkis emotionally told Doctor Mike about her experience, and about Fatma’s progress and treatment. “I can’t express how grateful I am. We are going back to Zanzibar tomorrow, but a piece of our hearts will always stay in Israel.”

Doctor Mike said of his visit, “With all the It’s easy to be heartbroken, it’s a lot harder to mend a heart – and that’s what these guys are doing here every day. It’s inspiring how they overcome politics and geography to save children’s lives. The doctors, and all the staff here, are heroes, they really are”. 

During his visit arranged by America’s Voices in Israel, Doctor Mike will meet leaders in Israel’s booming medical technology industries, visit research projects, also have the opportunity to tour some of the historic sites around the country, and explore Israeli cuisine and culture.