Israeli Medical Association No. 34 | December 2020 A word from the chairman Dear Colleagues and Friends, however, we have still been very busy in the international arena. In this It is a pleasure to present you with edition, you can read about the many another edition of IMA Around the virtual events that the Israeli Medical Globe. Association both hosted and participated IFirstly, I must say that I hope that you in. One of these events was the first in and your loved ones are keeping safe and a series of virtual oncological meetings well at this difficult time. As you may be on the management of advanced breast aware, a second wave hit Israel and on cancer. Prof Zion Hagay, IMA President, the 18th of September another lockdown also attended the World Medical began. We are now slowly easing the Association virtual General Assembly, restrictions that were put in place. while Leah Wapner, IMA Secretary Once again, our newsletter will update General, participated in the Standing and I hope that you enjoy reading about you on the work being done here in Israel Committee of European Doctors General their activities in the Chapter Tidbits in the fight against Covid-19. You will hear Assembly and the Annual Meeting of the section. about research into vaccinations being European Forum of Medical Associations. Finally, I must once again say thank you conducted at the Institute for Biological With Israel’s recent agreements with to all healthcare workers around the Research in Ness Ziona. In addition, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, world, who are on the frontlines battling you can read about developments in the the IMA has been trying to establish this pandemic. technological arena and how medical relations with the medical profession I wish you and your loved ones Hag education is developing, with a new and in these countries. Similarly, the Israeli Chanukah Sameach. May each candle unique degree in digital technologies in biotechnology company Pluristem has bring light to life with love and laughter medicine being approved by the Council signed a memorandum of understanding in your home. for Higher Education in Israel. for a collaboration agreement with the As you can imagine, we have not been Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center. > Professor Arnon Afek able to host or attend international Our Chapters have also been incredibly Chairman, IMA World Fellowship meetings or conferences in person; busy with many hosting virtual events, Associate Director General, Sheba Medical Center

The Israeli Medical Association wishes you, your family and your community A Very Happy Chanukah! 2 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

IMA Domestic News and Activities

Covid-19 Israel’s Second Wave

Background system divides cities into red, orange, identify the corona virus in the patient’s The first cases of Covid-19 and green by the severity of the body and serological tests (antibody were identified in Israel at the end of pandemic. It is possible that the different tests) detect the presence of the virus February and a 2-month lockdown locales could see different timelines several days after the onset of the was imposed in March. However, the according to their infection rates. disease. The main test used in Israel is lockdown was followed by a quick Opinion polls suggest only about the laboratory PCR test, with swabs sent opening of schools and the economy. a quarter of Israelis have confidence to 40 laboratories across the country. Today, Israel is in the midst of a second in government policies to contain the The swabs are collected by Magen David wave and the rate of morbidity is one of spread of the virus and many people are Adom (MDA), at the examinee’s home the highest in the world. As of the 10th not abiding by the restrictions currently and at mobile drive and test facilities set of December, Israel had 15,716 active in place. up throughout the country. In addition, cases, and 2934 deaths; at its peak the Covid-19 tests are performed at MDA daily number of new cases reached 9,000 Testing Protocol and Health Fund Clinics. . An additional one-month lockdown In early March, the Israeli Ministry The testing system has been began on the 18th of September. Some of Health initially claimed that extensive criticized on issues including a lack of the measures included: the closure tests were not needed, but only in cases of manpower, which endangered the of schools, offices, restaurants and such as: those returning from abroad; collapse of the laboratories; tests not shops, other than those that provide contact with a verified patient and reflecting a representative sample of vital services such as supermarkets, clear signs of a chest infection. Their the population; inaccurate results; pharmacies, and banks. In addition, assumption was that Covid-19 was not claims of hypersensitivity of the test the law imposed a travel restriction of 1 yet common in the community and and monitoring and surveillance kilometer from people’s homes. therefore mass tests would produce which impinges upon the rights of the The government has planned extreme errors and not give a reliable individual. a considerably slower easing of picture. It should be noted that at The testing system does not operate restrictions in this second round with a that time there was a shortage of cell alone but as part of a whole system of phased exit plan spanning over 4 months spreaders and reagents (the reactive coping. The test has no value without with 8 stages which will came into material needed for testing). Therefore, additional action: Maintaining physical effect on Sunday the 18th of October. It it is possible that Israeli policy was also distance, cutting off the chain of began with the reopening of preschools, influenced by the actual situation. infection, monitoring carriers, caring for removal of the 1-kilometre distance Subsequently, there was a significant patients, informing and strengthening restriction and allowing restaurants to change in policy. The tests were public trust in the leadership and offer take-aways. gradually expanded to a large extent professionals, and enforcing guidelines The second stage of easing was with the purchase of the necessary and their observance by the public. introduced on the 1st of November, by equipment and the increase in the rate which time the number of daily cases of infection in the community. Today Health Workforce had reduced to below 1000. Among Israel’s testing system is the backbone The healthcare workforce has been other things, schools opened grades 1-4 in the fight against the epidemic. extremely committed to treating patients on alternate days or in capsules. Two types of tests are used to detect from the beginning of the outbreak while In addition to this, a traffic light the virus. The molecular tests (PCR) being mindful of the need to preserve IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 3

energy and limit contact. In the first to Join the Ranks and Reinforce the off chains of contagion due to a lack of wave, the Israeli Medical Association Hospitals” was made by Professor manpower. In addition, there has been held bargaining agreements, securing Zion Hagay, President of the Israeli a lack of coordination and agreement on doctor’s salaries even in times of Medical Association and Professor an action strategy among professionals quarantine or illness and adjusting Chezi Levi, the Israeli Ministry of and decision makers. Finally, the their work schedules. Doctors worked Health’s Director General. Hospitals public’s distrust in the leadership makes in capsules and shifts and when not on and community clinics are in great need it difficult to enforce the guidelines and shift they were instructed to stay out of of interns, intensive care specialists, to restrictions in place. the hospitals. Today, as we know more emergency medicine specialists, GPs Nevertheless, after a month-long about how the virus is contracted, fewer and pediatricians. national lockdown, the second one in physicians are put into isolation. Plans are also being put in place to about half a year, signs of improvement During the first wave, elective prepare the healthcare system ahead of can be found. Israel’s COVID-19 R procedures were restricted, and the the winter. The coming winter will pose value is currently well below 1 (0.6). public were less likely to seek medical a very significant challenge to the health The number of daily confirmed cases care. Advertisements encouraged people of Israeli citizens. For several weeks, a per 1 million population has plunged to seek care when needed. During the special committee has been preparing in a month about 75%, from more second wave, elective procedures have for the scenario of dual morbidity with than 400 in the middle of September not limited, and all other services are influenza and coronavirus. to approximately 100 cases at the end open. We still see fewer people being The Israeli health system continues of October. Similarly, the number of treated, which is a concern. to struggle to deal with the crisis. This “red cities” has dropped sharply from The health system was called to is largely due to the neglect of the public 40 on the eve of the lockdown to 8. a state of emergency due to lack of health system for many years. Medical These encouraging data give hope for manpower. On the 21st of September teams are extremely busy and burnt out, a successful continuation of the fight “A Call for Action for Retired Physicians which is exacerbated by failure to cut against the epidemic in Israel.

Levin and Dr. Boris Itzkovitz, convened The scholarship program gives The Israeli Medical Association to evaluate 63 exceptionally qualified physicians a unique opportunity to World Fellowship Scholarships, candidates. The World Fellowship experience foreign medical systems, 2020. Grants Committee meeting was held institutions, and practices hands-on and This year, 15 scholarships were awarded in the presence of Adv. Sara Broker of to serve as ambassadors of Israel and the to outstanding Israeli physicians the Israeli Medical Association who Israeli medical field. Additionally, these who are going to or have already monitored the evaluation process. scholarships strengthen the connection begun fellowship programs around After much deliberation, scholarships between World Fellowship members the world. The US$4,000 (16,000 NIS) were granted to 15 doctors who have abroad and their Israeli colleagues. scholarships were funded by the Israeli been accepted to fellowship positions Due to the understandable restrictions Medical Association, the Organization in the US, Canada, Spain, Brazil and enforced upon us by the Corona of Clalit Physicians, the Organization the UK. Pandemic, the World Fellowship Grants of State Employee Physicians, Rambam Committee made the difficult decision to Medical Center, Rambam Medical cancel the World Fellowship Scholarship Center Physicians’ Committee, Sheba Ceremony this year. However, as in Medical Center and Sheba Medical previous years, the scholarships were Center Physicians’ Committee. awarded to the recipients in memory of a The World Fellowship Grants Committee, deceased physician, thereby maintaining consisting of Prof. Arnon Afek, Chairman this meaningful tradition. of the Israeli Medical Association World Fellowship, Dr. Arie Bitterman, Dr. Alex 4 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

The Israeli Society for HealthTech

The Israeli Society for HealthTech was founded under companies. the auspices of the Israeli Medical Association and aims On July 31st, the Society held its inaugural conference, via to create a dialogue between clinical medicine and the world of Zoom, which included keynote lectures from Prof. Gidi Rechavi, Health Tech, as well as to increase the involvement of doctors in 2020 Israel Prize for Medical Science winner and Head of Sheba this field. Chair Dr. Hedva Voliovitch along with fellow founding Cancer Research Center on Epitranscriptomics: From basic members Dr. Miri Mizrahi-Reuveni, Prof. Noah Liel Cohen research to drug development, and Dr. Daniel Kraft, Chair of and Prof. Eli Sprecher note the Society’s work plan includes Exponential Medicine, Singularity University on the Impact establishing a fellowship program for specialist physicians of COVID 19 Pandemic on Health Tech. The conference to be trained in the field, organizing conferences to promote ended with a panel on Getting our priorities right with panel Israeli Health Tech, encouraging entrepreneurship and ideas, members Adv. Yael Baratz, Senior Partner & Chair of the promoting innovative regulation, and developing horizons in Corporate & Licensing Group, Pearl Cohen, Prof. Eugene managing medical innovation in public health organizations. Kandel, CEO, Start-Up Nation Central, Mr. Ziv Ofek, Founder & And this is just the beginning! CEO MDClone and Prof. Karl Skorecki, Dean, The Azrieli Faculty The idea of the Society was born as a project of the 8400 of Medicine, Safed, Prof. Gidi Paret, Director, Dept. of Pediatric Health Network, after realizing the need to establish an Intensive Care, Sheba Medical Center and Former Chairman organized physician training framework to enable physicians of the Scientific Council and Dr. Itai Kela, Head of Healthtech to lead technological innovation processes within healthcare Sector, Israel Innovation Authority. organizations; at the same time, the organizations discussed To view the virtual conference, please click onto the links the lack of physicians who understand the unique language of below: the entrepreneurial and high-tech worlds, and who would be Opening: Dr. Hedva Voliovitch and Prof. Zion Hagay, able to participate in the development processes at start-up President of the Israeli Medical Association: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVP_GmLhBew&feature=youtu.be Keynote Lecture: Prof Gidi Rechavi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=NlfSILkVaDA &feature=youtu.be Keynote Lecture: Dr. Daniel Kraft: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlUY2m3e40I&feature= youtu.be We invite you to join and become members of the Israeli Society for HealthTech, to be active in shaping it from the beginning and to participate in the dialogue. For more information please email: [email protected]. Pictured from left to right: Prof. Eli Sprecher, Ms. Einat Meshorer, Mr. Dotan Simchovitz, Prof. Noah Liel Cohen, Dr. Hedva Voliovitch, Adv. Yael Baratz and Dr. Miri Mizrahi-Reuveni. IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 5

IMA TV Campaign

Highlighting some of the ‘myths’ surrounding Covid-19, the Israeli Medical Association has produced a new television campaign showing support and appreciation during the corona pandemic and encouraging people to protect themselves and others. The 40 second infomercial, debuted on October 14th and was filmed in Ichilov, Sheba and Laniado Hospitals.

“Corona is just the flu with public relations”

“It is not as infectious as people say”

“It only affects the old” 6 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

Medical Achievements printed by courtesy of ISRAEL21c www.israel21c.org

of children with hearing loss. Scientists find genes that can The breakthrough research was cause hearing loss published recently in Clinical Genetics The genetic source of inherited hearing by scientists from multiple Israeli loss is better understood universities and hospitals, the University following a new multinational of Washington, University of Maryland, study led by Zippora Brownstein and US National Institutes of Health, Prof. Karen Avraham from the Sackler Bethlehem University and the University Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. of Iceland. These results have immediate implications for genetic counseling for To read the full story, click here. A newborn receives a hearing test at Laniado families with hearing loss and for care Hospital in Israel. Photo by Chen Leopold/FLASH90

Kidney tumors destroyed by Medicine, is another feather in the cap of outpatient cryoablation system Israeli company IceCure Medical, maker of the ProSense cryoablation system. A non-surgical liquid nitrogen The company’s primary focus is (LN2) cryoablation (freezing) breast, kidney and lung cancer. The technology to destroy benign and minimally invasive technology is an malignant tumors demonstrated 100 alternative to surgical tumor removal percent success in a trial with seven and is easily performed in a relatively kidney cancer patients who’s surgically short outpatient procedure, guided by removed tumors had reoccurred. computerized tomography. The outcome of the study, reported in Journal of Molecular and Clinical To read the full story, click here. Photo courtesy of IceCure

Prof. Tomer Shlomi and doctoral students Scientists develop way to find Shoval Lagziel and Boris Sarvin based on a tumors from blood tests 98% unique combination of mass spectrometry faster and computational methods. Researchers at the Technion- A mass spectrometer determines Israel Institute of Technology the concentrations of molecules in have developed a new method for rapid, biological samples. Usually, this requires inexpensive analysis of blood samples. Its a preliminary, time-consuming and first application to be tested will be early expensive process called chromatography detection of cancerous tumors. that separates the materials in the sample The innovative technology, described in according to chemical properties. Nature Communications, was developed by To read the full story, click here. Photo by Rebecca Zeffert/Flash90 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 7

more volunteers, depending on the scientists of the Institute who developed The Biological Institute in Ness success of the first phase. This phase is it, and I am convinced that we bring a Ziona will begin Corona virus expected to begin in December and will very good, effective, and safe vaccine. vaccination experiments on humans. take place at several medical centers The vaccine has a trade name -”BriLife“. across the country. The second phase We will continue to work for the health The Ministry of Defense and is designed to allow researchers to of Israeli citizens and for the Israeli the Institute for Biological pinpoint the dosage level of the vaccine economy and society. Our goal is 15 Research have announced that the given. million doses, for the benefit of Israeli Corona virus vaccine trial is expected Director of the Institute for Biological citizens and our close neighbors. “ to progress towards the human trials Research, Prof. Shmuel Shapira: “The phase. The first phase, which will begin Institute for Biological Research is at the Source: Courtesy of Maariv, 25.10 on November 1st, will include up to 80 beginning of an important and crucial Link to full article: healthy subjects between the ages of 18- phase, the phase of experiments in https://www.maariv.co.il/corona/ 55.. In the second phase, the experiment humans. I am confident in our vaccine, corona-israel/Article-797914 is expected to expand to almost 1,000 I believe in it and in the ability of the

Analybex Therapeutics presented a Sight Diagnostics presented a Presentation of innovative Corona drug to fight Corona. According to the development that allows blood tests to solutions to the Israeli Knesset. company, a clinical trial of the drug will be performed within 10 minutes, without be expanded in the coming days and up laboratory processing. The outbreak of the corona virus to 24 critically ill patients with Corona Dr. Sharon Yagur-Kroll from the and the systemic difficulty of across the country will be treated with Ministry of Science presented the dealing with a large and rapid system of the drug. developments of Prof. Zeev Zalevsky tests, have accelerated Israeli companies Clean Air presented the development from Bar-Ilan University, monitoring and scientists, some sponsored by the of a system that generates constant the level of blood oxygen saturation Ministry of Science, to develop projects air purification in an enclosed space, in Corona patients, by following the and innovations that can offer global with proof of effective eradication of Microsaccade eye movements. “This is solutions to the virus. The companies the corona virus by 99%, based on air a simple and inexpensive method that presented their new solutions to the sampling results in studies conducted can monitor the amount of oxygen Knesset Science Committee in October in catering facilities, hospitals, nursing saturated in the blood remotely 2020. Some of the developments homes, synagogues, etc. without laser contact into the eye.” presented to the committee included: Medips presented a digital BD presented an innovative device application for population monitoring Source: Courtesy of Hayadan, 28.10 חברות-/developed together with a company and conducting epidemiological Link: www.hayadan.org.il סטרטאפ-הציגו-בדיקת-קורונה-ללא-מג from the US, that provides rapid corona investigations - this unique technology detection. enables identification of the location NaNose Medical introduced their of every individual of the population at development for a contactless corona room resolution without infringing on test using exhalation from the nose. citizens’ privacy. 8 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

Abu Dhabi that focuses on cell therapy advancement of treatment and research First commercial-medical as well as innovative research on stem in cellular drugs for a wide range of cooperation between Israel and cells in the region, and is developing medical conditions. Abu Dhabi. a coronary cell-based treatment for The Israeli biotechnology Corona. Source: Courtesy of Israel Today, 17.08 company Pluristem has signed The parties will cooperate in the Link: https://www.israelhayom.co.il/ a memorandum of understanding for a development of drugs for serious article/791963 collaboration agreement with the Abu diseases, including Corona. They have Dhabi Stem Cell Center. agreed to exchange research results and The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center samples, to make joint use of equipment (ADSCC) was established in 2019 and and testing and to collaborate on is an expert medical center based in other vital activities related to the

areas such as artificial intelligence, of graduates with combined training The connection between big data, telemedicine, and robotics in medicine and technology and technology, medicine, and as part of a unique track developed familiarity with smart medical systems, science. in collaboration with leading medical remote medicine, data processing and Against the background of the centers in the country. Graduates of development of groundbreaking medical Corona crisis and the urgent need the track will be integrated into the technologies will be trained in response to establish an innovative digital medical bio-med and info-med industry, and to evolving clinical needs. infrastructure, the Council for Higher some will be able to pursue a 4-year Education in Israel has approved the degree in medicine in accordance with Source: Courtesy of YNET, 09.06 first unique degree of its kind in digital the admission requirements at the Link: https://www.ynet.co.il/ technologies in medicine at the Holon academic institutions. The goal of the articles/0,7340,L-5744524,00.html Institute of Technology (HIT). Under program is to create international Israeli the new curriculum, students will be progress in tackling the challenges of able to study digital technologies in medicine. Within a few years, hundreds

The Israeli Medical Association World Fellowship would like to ensure that our Around the Globe newsletter contains the best, most up-to-date and relevant information for you. You will note that along with the latest edition of our newsletter, you received a copy of our Satisfaction Questionnaire. We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire and look forward to hearing from you. IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 9

International Conferences

The European Forum of Medical Associations Virtual Meeting

Unfortunately, the European testing policy, patient care and social peaks. Frederico Guanais then took the Forum of Medical Associations and economic policy. floor, presenting on the need to build (EFMA) annual meeting, which was Leah then introduced the topics health system resilience. In particular, due to be held in Lviv, Ukraine in June which were to be discussed during the Frederico highlighted the importance of 2020, was postponed. The EFMA Liaison meeting: strengthening primary health care and Committee decided that instead it would • General Health Care During the stated that primary health care needs to hold a virtual meeting on Covid-19. The Pandemic address the surge in care needs in the virtual meeting was held on the 8th • Mental Health of Health face of the COVID-19 crisis. October and participants joined from Professionals The second session on Mental Health across the WHO European Region. The • Medical Education in Times of Crisis of Health Professionals was moderated meeting was held with simultaneous Professor Leonid Eidelman, Israeli by Dr. Tsvi Fischel, the Chairman of interpretation in English and Russian, Medical Association Past President, the Israeli Psychiatric Association. Dr. as is normally the practice for the EFMA co-moderated the session on General Fischel expertly guided this session, in-person meetings. Health Care During the Pandemic leading the experts and moderating Leah Wapner, Secretary General of together with Dr. Jacques de Haller, Past effectively. Margrieta Langins, a policy the Israeli Medical Association and the President of the Standing Committee for advisor to the WHO Regional Office for European Forum of Medical Associations European Doctors. Expert presentations Europe, opened the session. Margrieta successfully chaired the meeting, were given by Dr. Natasha Azzopardi highlighted the WHO’s plans to scale up ensuring it ran smoothly. Leah opened Muscat, the Director of the Division of efforts in the area of mental health. She the meeting by giving a presentation Country Health Policies and Systems at explained how stress and burn out were and general overview of the Covid-19 the WHO Europe Office and Frederico already high among health professionals Pandemic in the WHO European Region. Guanais, the Deputy Head of the OECD prior to the pandemic. Margrieta Leah analysed Covid-19 by breaking Health Division. Dr. Muscat began by reviewed the current WHO plans in down different approaches which highlighting the lack of preparedness implementing sustainable policy on have been used to tackle it, including of even the “best” health systems. In mental health for health professionals. preventative measures such as social addition, Dr. Muscat noted that this is Dr. Manal Azzi, a Senior Occupational distancing, face masks and lockdown, not a competition between health and Safety and Health (OSH) Specialist at the economy and explained how the the International Labour Organization WHO is re-defining their approach to (ILO), followed by presenting on ‘health in all policies’. Finally, Dr. Muscat managing work-related psychosocial described the need for a dual track risks during the Covid-19 pandemic. approach: Track 1 – Health systems must Dr. Azzi explained that psychosocial remain ready to provide the full range of risks emerged during the period of services needed to prevent, diagnose, the rapid spread of the virus and strict isolate and treat Covid-19 patients. Track isolation measures, and still persist 2 – Health systems also need to address or increase over time as the pandemic accumulated demand from services continues. For healthcare workers, a European Forum of Medical Associations that may have been crowded out to risk of contagion coupled with increased virtual meeting. provide Covid-19 care during outbreak workload, distress and working hours, 10 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

can impact mental health. She then led well into the presentation by Dr. explained the ILO’s proposed areas for Yassen Tcholakov, the Interim Chair of action. the WMA Junior Doctors Network. Dr. The final session on Medical Tcholakov presented on post-graduate Education in Times of Crisis was medical education in times of crisis and moderated by Dr. Otmar Kloiber, highlighted both the professional and Secretary General of the World Medical mental health impacts. Finally, Prof. Association (WMA). In this session David Gordon, the President of the presentations were given from three World Federation for Medical Education different perspectives. Eglė Janušonytė, (WFME), presented on medical the Vice President for External Affairs of education during the pandemic. Prof. Dr. Tsvi Fischel, Chairman of the Israeli Psychiatric Association the International Federation of Medical Gordon highlighted the the importance Students’ Associations (IFMSA) began and value of medical education during the session by providing the students’ a pandemic or crisis. The meeting was a great success, perspective. Eglė Janušonytė presented Each session was followed by brief with interesting discussions from the a study conducted by IFMSA to track the country reports from EFMA members participants and experts. The EFMA adaptation of medical school curricula relating to the topics of the session. Liaison Committee is now planning a during the pandemic and also to assess In these reports, they provided the follow up meeting to explore other areas the students’ attitude and involvement perspective of the medical professional affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. in healthcare at such a time. This association and the medical profession.

Management of Advanced Breast Cancer Seminar Israel/Mexico

On October 29th, the Israeli The Mexican moderators comprised Dr. Medical Association held the Mirian Lopez Basilio - Colegio Medico first in a series of virtual oncological de Mexico & CONFEMEL and Dr. Marco meetings in association with Colegio A Jimenez Lopez – Director General of Medico de Mexico A.C. Fenacome, IECAN. CONFEMEL, Confederacion de Focusing on advanced breast cancer Entidades Medicas Latin-Americanas y T3,T4 and metastasis, Dr. Shira Glaper, del Caribe and IECAN – Instituto Estatal Radiotherapist and Dr. Opher Globus, de Cancerologia. Breast Oncologist at Sheba Medical The Israeli moderators comprised Center presented a review of a number Dr. Shimshon Erdman, Director of of clinical cases. Relations with Latin America and Prof. Salomon Stemmer, Professor Physicians’ Exchange Program and Dr. of Oncology at the Davidoff Center for Jacobo Mattout Tache, Radiotherapist the Treatment and Research of Cancer Oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. joined and participated in the debate. IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 11

Resilient Health Systems 2020

A digital congress of the National Leah Wapner, Secretary General of the Infection Epidemiology. Association of Statutory Health Israel Medical Association, was invited Adv. Wapner began by giving an Insurance Physicians (KBV) was held to present in the session on testing overview of the how the pandemic began on the 1st October, as part of Germany’s strategies and presented on “What in Israel and initial steps that were taken. Presidency of the EU Council. The testing strategies is Israel pursuing?” She provided a review of the Israeli testing conference focused on the experiences The session was chaired by Dr. system, including testing requirements, throughout Europe in the health Andreas Bobrowski, the Chairman of testing sites, and change in the Israeli systems’ fights against the Covid-19 the Professional Association of German policy with regards to testing. Adv. pandemic. The digital congress asked Laboratory Doctors. Other expert Wapner continued by critiquing the the following questions: presentations were given by Dr. Tim system, noting the importance of trust Which healthcare concepts have Eckmanns, the Head of the Department and transparency and highlighting the proven effective? of Nosocomial Infections, Surveillance challenges beyond the testing system. What difficulties do the systems have of Antimicrobial Resistance; Dr. Michael Finally, the presentation concluded that to cope with? Müller, the Chairman of the Association a functional testing system has a central What are the consequences? of Accredited Laboratories; and Dr. Ralf role in the fight against the pandemic; Ignatius, a Member of the Advisory however optimal functioning is only There were 2 panel debates and 9 Board of the Professional Association possible as part of an overall strategy different sessions held in parallel. Adv. of Doctors for Microbiology, Virology and at the national level. In addition, the fundamental weaknesses of the Israeli health system directly affect the testing and are reflected in the field. The session concluded with a round table with active participants and questions sent in by the audience. There was a lengthy discussion, with presentations of perspectives and experiences from across Europe. 12 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

Virtual Meeting on COVID-19 Health Professionals of Israel and Panama

On July 21st, 2020, the Israeli H.E. Dr Reda Mansour, Israeli Medical Association held a virtual Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama meeting of Health professionals from and H.E. Ambassador Adis Urieta Vega, Israel and Panama on the topic of Covid Ambassador of Panama in Israel and 19. Issues discussed included diagnostic Ambassador Shmulik Bass, Director, testing, isolation policy and treatment Department of South America, Israel protocols. Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also in Prof. Zion Hagay, President of the attendance. Israeli Medical Association, and Adv. The Panamanian participants Leah Wapner, Secretary General of the were headed by Dr Luis Francisco Israeli Medical Association, welcomed Sucre, Minister of Health for Panama, the participants to this important Dr. Jorge Medrano, Senior Advisor to Senior Advisor to the Minister and meeting. the Minister, past Minister of Health Past Minister of Health; Dr. Francisco Prof. Shlomo Maayan, Barzilai and Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sanchez Cardenas; Prof. Alessandro Medical Center and Prof. Gadi Segal, Sciences of the Universidad Latina; Dr Gaucci, Senior Epidemiology Advisor; Head of Internal Medicine, Sheba Enrique Mendoza, Dean of the Faculty Dra. Guadalupe Castillo Abrego among Medical Center discussed Covid in of Medicine of Panama University and many others. The meeting extended over depth and provided a unique insight Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health; two hours, due to the active participation into Israel’s response to this pandemic. Lic. Thais Noriega; Dr Camilo Alleyne, of the Panamanian participants. Dr. Shimshon Erdman, Director of the Physicians Exchange Program hosted the COVID-19, Health Professionals of Israel and Panama virtual meeting and was the meeting moderator and translator, assisted by Tracey Hyman – IMA International Relations Officer and the IMA Secretariat. IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 13

INTERVIEW with Dr. Simon Wein

Full Name: Dr. Simon Wein Originally from: Australia Occupation: Oncologist Made aliyah with: wife Lena and 5 children Date of Aliyah: 2008

Personal/Professional Background specialist in Internal Medicine. The And having said that – having come second time was not without challenges from an Anglo country at an older How did you decide to make Aliyah? in terms of delay, although eventually age, we will always be a little outside What were your reasons for making I was recognized in Internal Medicine. the mainstream Israeli life – but not Aliyah? Back then, oncology was a combined prohibitively so. Not at all. We are invited I went to a Jewish day school from radiotherapy and medical oncology to weddings and functions. Once one is woe to go, in Melbourne, Australia. We degree. So I did not obtain medical in a workplace or a shul, people accept were brought up in a Zionistic family, oncology recognition but in view of my you as an individual. It is true, though, regularly travelling to visit Israel and subsequent career choice that did not that one’s interests and way of thinking supporting it politically, although we did make any difference. is forever influence by one’s country of not belong to Zionist movements per se. birth. It is up to you. I think the bottom line for us Then I went out into the world to the for making Aliyah is that this is the University of Melbourne and studied Jewish country and that Jewish life in Life in Israel medicine. I specialized in Internal the diaspora – which I am certain will Medicine and Medical Oncology. continue alongside Israel – is a more Where do you live and work in Israel? Interspersed, I spent a couple of years muted, constrained and limited lifestyle. Can you describe your job? working in Israel as a junior doctor in This is because of the need to live in We live in a small town in the oncology. It was not the time for us to a particular and enclosed community Shomron – about 15 minutes from Ariel. stay in Israel, so we returned to Australia, in order to encourage and preserve Our reason for choosing this place was I completed my training, and then went marrying in the faith. Hence the career that we consider it part of Israel – it is on to Memorial Sloan Kettering in New choices of children and their lifestyles 25 kilometers due east of the beach at York to practice Psycho-oncology. are limited. Or else they will assimilate Tel Aviv. It is a Hebrew speaking village and intermarry – if not them, then their and we thought that would enable a After two years we tried life again in grandchildren. As well we wanted to quicker and deeper acclimatization for Israel, in Jerusalem Palliative Medicine live a religious lifestyle and in Israel the – but it was a little before its time. We opportunities are so much broader and returned to Australia. I did a fellowship deeper. in Palliative Medicine and several years later we returned to Israel, for what was I would like to think that our story effectively our third try. And it has been of ‘making aliyah’ on the third attempt a resounding success – professionally, would offer some sort of encouragement for our children and personally. not to despair or give up. Having said that I do think that the earlier one makes I first obtained recognition as a Aliyah in one’s life the better it is for general doctor some 20 years ago and absorption. later on during my second visit, as a 14 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

our children. And indeed, it has – most in Israel compared with from whence we from the economic and work impact of them took Israeli spouses and have came. We enjoy the normality of a Jewish of the COVID virus outbreak. We have thus settled with roots deeply implanted country; the kosher foods; complaining tried to contribute palliative care skills to including their extended Israeli families. about the insane driving; becoming the hospitalized Covid-19 patients, but We like the small village and even though stressed about paying bills over Hebrew- the nature of the disease and the skills we do not have a large social circle we only automated telephone services; the of treating doctors mean our medical are very settled and feel at home. restaurants; the reward of looking after skills are not in demand. However, some people from the diaspora and comparing of us have been able to contribute by My wife worked as an art therapist Polish gefilte fish to Yemenite schug; the speaking with relatives and explaining in a Jerusalem cancer unit and was casualness of life – many secretaries for and supporting. successful there. I have worked in reasons I cannot fathom address me by palliative medicine in a large hospital my surname only. The Government’s role is unenviable in the center of the country and slowly The trick is to let go of any irritations – to strike the balance between but surely, we have introduced palliative by the evening and to just think of the protecting the lives versus the livelihood care to the Israeli system. I am now able next 2000 years here. of the population – without placing an to pass it over to the next generation – unacceptable financial burden on the Israeli! next generation. Covid-19 What do you enjoy most about life A good decision for us, in short. in Israel? What are some of the How has the Covid-19 outbreak challenges you have faced? affected you? We enjoy practically everything here As medicos we have been protected

Chapter Tidbits

I am pleased to announce that we are focusing on COVID 19, and we are have appointed a new Executive planning a discussion on the ethical Committee in the Canadian Branch dimensions of decision making in this of the International Federation of the pandemic. IMA. We are continuing to partner with organizations to bring health Dr. Rose Geist, Canadian (Toronto) care providers together in webinar Chapter. CANADA discussions about relevant health care issues. At the present time we IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 15

about the pandemic, the science, and the management of it. This forum also facilitated our organisation’s efforts in sourcing PPE and sanitizer when supplies were difficult to obtain. In Australia, our governments placed AUSTRALIA us in an early conservative lockdown which has proven to be successful and Australasian Jewish Medical led to a significant reduction in virus Federation (VIC) numbers (and elimination in some I was elected president in November Australian states). Unfortunately, 2019 and so have almost had one year in Melbourne where I am based in this position. I thank the outgoing and where most of our members are President, Dr. Miriam Kuttner, for her located, we experienced a much strong leadership and dedication to more significant second wave, after our organisation for over five years. I failures in our quarantine system. am a Dermatologist working in both Victoria was effectively cut off from private and public practice. I have long the rest of Australia and for three Dr. Jack Green, President AJMF (VIC) had connections with Israel including months we were subjected to one of visiting family members on many the strictest lockdowns in the world. Spigelman, a surgeon and world renown occasions (my eldest brother made As I write this report, restrictions are palaeoepidemiologist, who shared his Aliyah in the 70s) and have previously slowly being eased, elective surgery is interesting research studying ancient had a research collaboration with the recommencing, and economic activity DNA and diseases found on mummified Dermatology Unit at Hadassah Hospital. is starting up again. bodies in Korea. All was uneventful in my new role until While we have not had any face Since the last chapter report, we the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March to face functions this year, there have provided a grant to visiting Israeli 2020. Since then it has been a testing been some online educational events, ophthalmologist, Dr. Elad Ben-Artsi, who time. including an interesting presentation has been undertaking an oculoplastics An online Jewish doctors’ chat by historian David Solomon on the fellowship at the Royal Victorian Eye group was set up, which has been very significant contributions of some 16th and Ear Hospital. As our coronavirus helpful in connecting Jewish doctors Century Jewish physicians. More numbers go down (and hopefully a here in Melbourne during lockdown. recently, we were fortunate to have a successful vaccine will be available next There has been robust discussion zoom presentation with Professor Mark year) we look forward to a normalisation of travel restrictions and hosting more Israeli medical practitioners in local fellowship positions again. 16 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020

hypertensive, diabetics and so on. formed by AME associated doctors. The objective of home telemonitoring Later, the AME will consider forming an is to keep the patient at home (reducing organized network, which will consist the inconvenience and social costs of general practitioners, a reference incurred by hospitalization) while hospital, a structured monitoring center being able to detect and report any or other bodies to be identified based on ITALY acute episodes, fibrillations, falls the experience gained. or exacerbations of pathologies to This initiative will be of great national Italian Chapter Update. the doctor or emergency room, The interest, as the AME will be the first or telemonitoring system is also able to among the first in Italy to adopt these Dr. Rosanna Supino, President of process the detected data, providing devices. This initiative will also advertise the AME (Associazione Medica Ebraica valuable support for diagnosis. Israeli technology, highlighting the level Italia) presented a project enabling the The device will record the parameters of absolute excellence in comparison to telemonitoring of chronic patients or that the doctor will consider adequate, various competitors on the market. recovering covid patients, to the UCEI such as O2 saturation, ECG trace, The AME, in collaboration with (Unione Comunità Ebraiche Italiane). blood pressure, temperature, drop risk Galeazzi Hospital in Milan, the Israeli The goal of the AME was to provide prevention, etc. These parameters must manufacturer and the university, information about Israeli technology be sent via LTE network (long term plans to present the initiative to and in particular information about evolution) to the Reference Monitoring the “XIX Bando” for the collection telemonitoring to the Italian medical Center and analyzed with artificial of Joint Research Projects for the community at large. intelligence. year 2021 based on the cooperation The AME and UCEI raised over AME Italia proposes an experimental agreement in the field of Research and 17,000 Euros during a joint fundraising pilot project to evaluate the efficiency Industrial Development, Scientific and campaign in April and May of this year. and effectiveness of the system; at the Technological between Italy and Israel The UCEI also awarded the AME an moment the AME plans to purchase (“Industrial Bando”) which could assign additional 8,000 Euros resulting from 8-10 devices (watches) to be delivered to up to 200,000 euros to the project. their application to the 8x1000 project. critical patients who, for better control The AME decided to commit these of the experimentation, will initially Rosanna Supino, President of AME, Italy. funds to a home monitoring project for be connected to an operations center recovering covid patients who require frequent checks of their vital parameters. This home monitoring device could also be used for other patients with chronic diseases such as post-operational patients, oncological, pneumopathic, IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020 17

Friedman (Public Health), Mr Lawrence Wiseman (Patient), Dr Karyn Moshal (Paediatrics), Prof Marcel Levi, (Chief Executive, UCLH), Prof Mervyn Singer (ICU, UCLH), Dr Mike Groszmann (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), UK Dr Daniel Staetsky (Demography and Israeli Colorectal Surgeons Visit Covid-19: Experiences, Effects Statistics), Prof Ora Paltiel (Israel), Dr and Expectations. Ian Goodman (General Practice), Prof Prof Alex Deutsch brought 12 Israeli Alan Salama (Nephrology), Dr Suzanne Colorectal Surgeons to the UK in the In the early stages of the Covid-19 Joels (Psychogeriatrics) and Dr Adrian week before the pandemic struck. At pandemic the pressures were such that Tookman (Palliative Care). the meeting they presented two Israeli the Association held off communication. neuroendocrine tumour patients, and In early June we began to deliberate the Jewish Medical Association UK this was followed by a panel discussion best way to reflect, learn, and evolve Newsletter, September 2020 led by Prof Martin Caplin and Prof Druce (rather than mutate!) into the future and on the theme of Gut Neuroendocrine the first step was to gain insights into the Tumours – “NET: for any surgeon or not?” ideas and thoughts of our members and London Presidential Lecture their patients. Jewish Medical Association UK To achieve this, the plunge was In her lecture Prof Maralyn Druce Newsletter, September 2020 taken into the Zoom era on the - rather spoke about “Endocrine Medicine self-evident – theme of Covid-19: – Just two skills but it takes guts to Experiences, Effects and Expectations. develop them”. She said that the two This programme has been successful skills are thinking and explaining – the as judged by attendance and feedback. gut endocrine system is intrinsically Technical glitches at the start have important; thinking about it, and trying gradually been overcome. It has been to explain the various interactions and made possible by the hard work of our their effects not only biochemically Administrative Secretary, Hilary Cane, but also on clinical and behavioural and by the supportive staff of Creative patterns, has been her continuing & Commercial. research challenge. Speakers thus far are Dr Ellis

Prof. Maralyn Druce 18 IMA AROUND THE GLOBE | DECEMBER 2020