The Common Vein

September 2009

Living in Boston

Wife  Deborah

Daughter Pnina (15)

Occupation Cardiologist

Hobbies Running Golf Skiing Biking Art

email

ghirsowitz@aol.com

KDHS is but a distant memory and feels a lifetime ago. I recall few details and left after graduation, never to look back in any significant way until this moment. I have been moved by the passion and personal communications of so many individuals that have written to KDS 69 web-site. My experience at KDHS was mixed with some difficult moments beyond the teenage tensions. I arrived from H.A. Jack  public school system in Form 1 to get a Jewish education and be with my ?own?. I soon encountered what I now recognize was bullying. I was neither attractive nor a sports jock and at best, an average student. It seemed okay to some to give be me affectionate name of ?Rat?.

I laughed along to be accepted and for the most part was tolerated and I think even liked by some of my abusers. Individuals shall remain nameless and I have long-time moved on but recognize that it may be relevant as to how I actively tried to redefine myself and start afresh both at medical school and subsequent travels abroad. I can?t say I was overwhelmed with the education received at KDHS and remember the frustration and irritation of my parents when advised by Norman Sandler to switch to ?B-stream? and to forget the idea of pursuing medical school. I also cringe when I recall the whippings from the Principal for minor misdemeanors that today would result in legal action. As adults and parents, we can look back and recognize what was wrong, what has changed for the better and also the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety of our children.

I am forever grateful to KDS for the friendships that I developed whilst at high school and to this date, three of my closest friends remain old Davidians (Ashley Davidoff, Steven Selesnick and Choni Becker). I also feel a life changing experience was the Ulpan trip to Israel and my connection to both the State of Israel and it?s people are linked to that early visit which occurred at the most glorious time after the 67 war.

After matriculation in 69, I went to medical school and graduated in 75. I was an intern at Baragwanath Hospital during the  Soweto riots and was deeply unsettled by the violence and polarization of the  people of South Africa. I fulfilled my parents plan for me to leave South Africa having been brought up with one foot in SA and the other on a plane destined for far away lands. There are times I regret was not having moved to Israel. I traveled to Canada and then the United States pursuing post-graduate medical training ultimately landing up in Boston where I have been for the past 27 years. I am a cardiologist practicing in a large medical group and working at one of Harvard?s major teaching hospitals.

I have had a successful professional career and love what I do, taking care of patients and an integral part of what is a very special health care program. I have had the good fortune to work with and learn from some the best.

I was fortunate to meet and marry the love of my life. My wife, Deborah is a remarkable woman, kind and beautiful both on the inside and outside. We are blessed with our daughter Pnina who is now 15 years of age and a sophomore at Brookline High School. A product of Jewish Day School but now in public school wanting some diversity.She fills our lives with joy and we remind her that it?s not so important to set the world on fire but rather kindle the love in people?s hearts and be a force for what is good in the world.

I have had an extraordinary life that has been filled with the everyday miracles of being empowered and trusted by patients, the love of family and friendship. There have been trials and difficult times with family illness and loss, but how sweet it has been and I would change nothing and do it again all the same. It would be fascinating to reconnect with many of you and I regret not being able to be at the reunion. Maybe the 50^th?