Israeli Bedouin learned Russian and became a doctor. The amazing story of Dr. Fadi

Dr. Fadi Alkrinaoui, a Bedouin from Rahat, learned Russian while studying at St. Petersburg Medical University and now works as an emergency physician at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot. Patients are surprised by his fluent Russian, and colleagues often enlist him as a translator for Russian-speaking patients. His journey from the desert to Russia and back is a story of overcoming stereotypes and fulfilling a dream.

Dr. Fadi Alkrinaoui, a 33-year-old emergency physician from the Bedouin city of Rahat, works at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot. His story began at age 17, when after graduating from high school with an emphasis on chemistry and computer science, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. On the advice of his cousin, who studied dentistry in Russia, Fadi applied and was accepted to the prestigious St. Petersburg Medical University. In November, he boarded a plane for the first time in his life and flew to Russia, where he completed a 7-month preparatory Russian language course. Tuition cost about $5,000 per year, which his family struggled to afford. Fadi devoted himself entirely to his studies, learned Russian like a native, made friends with students from different countries, and even learned to cook Bedouin dishes to share with his classmates. After earning his degree, he returned to Israel, quickly obtained his license from the Ministry of Health by passing the exam in Russian, and chose a specialization in emergency medicine at Kaplan Medical Center. Today, he works 7 shifts a month, including Saturdays and holidays, and often serves as a translator for Russian-speaking patients. His wife is a nurse.