Rambam Health Care Campus

Rambam’s Director of Cardiology Receives Prestigious Kadar–Sheba Award Professor Lior Gepstein, Director of both the Department of Cardiology and Division of Research at Rambam Health Care Campus, received a prestigious recognition for his pioneering research and clinical practice. Professor Gepstein was recently awarded the 2023 Kadar–Sheba Award for Excellence in Research, recognizing his extraordinary achievements in combining research and clinical practice to cardiac electrophysiology and innovative treatment methods for heart disease, which has since become a leading method for treating arrhythmias through electrical ablation. A committee of senior Israeli researchers and physicians representing Sheba Medical Center’s Research Authority and the Naomi Foundation (named after Dr. Naomi Prawer Kadar z”l) selected Professor Gepstein for this prestigious honor. The award, which includes a $100,000 grant, was presented by Professor Yitzhak Kreiss, Director General of the hospital, and representatives of the Naomi Foundation. Praising his PhD work, which focuses on developing a unique system for cardiac electrical mapping, the award committee highlighted that "Professor Gepstein is an exceptional example of a dedicated physician and a global pioneer in both basic and applied cardiovascular stem cell research. His groundbreaking research defines a new approach to regenerative medicine. Gepstein is a rare combination of an outstanding and trailblazing physician-researcher." Professor Gepstein’s success exemplifies Rambam’s innovative spirit, which is being translated into real-world benefits for patients worldwide.

Dr. Eliav Barr, CMO at MSD, Visits Rambam Health Care Campus We were thrilled to welcome Dr. Eliav Barr, Senior VP, head of global clinical development and CMO at MSD, to Rambam. His visit underscored our shared commitment to innovation and excellence in clinical trials. Dr. Barr was captivated by Rambam's forward-thinking approach and long-term vision, which extends to 2065. He was particularly impressed by our dedicated clinical research teams and their ability to deliver high-quality research, even in challenging circumstances. Our tour of the Discovery Building and fortified underground hospital provided a glimpse into our state-of-the-art facilities and our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical research and clinical trials. In his conversation with Professor Michael Halberthal, Rambam's CEO, Dr. Barr expressed his admiration for our work: "I look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Rambam and driving groundbreaking advancements in healthcare together. Your dedication is truly inspiring, especially after touring the hospital and experiencing firsthand the challenges you've overcome". 

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Rambam Health Care Campus recently achieved exceptional international acclaim when two of its physicians were honored with prestigious awards from the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (EACMFS). Dr. Chaim Ohayon, an attending physician in the Department who recently returned from advanced fellowship training in microsurgery and maxillofacial reconstruction at the renowned Hôpital Rechts der Isar in Munich, Germany, was awarded the coveted Leibinger Award from the EACMFS. During his fellowship, Ohayon performed approximately 120 complex surgeries and excelled in a notable meta-analysis project conducted jointly with Rambam and the German medical center. This award is a testament to his dedication, skill, and impactful research contributions in cranio-maxillofacial surgery. Simultaneously, his colleague, Dr. Tal Capusha, a senior physician in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, was recognized with the distinguished KLS-Martin Fellowship. Capusha is currently completing his fellowship at the University of Toronto, a top global institution where he is specializing in the treatment of congenital facial deformities and jaw joint replacements. His expertise will place him at the forefront of jaw joint replacement surgery in Israel, bringing pioneering techniques and treatments back to Rambam. The recognition of Dr. Ohayon and Dr. Capusha by the EACMFS underscores the clinical and academic excellence of Rambam's Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The advanced skills and knowledge they acquired during their training will greatly enhance the high-level medical care available to the residents of northern Israel. Founded in 1970 by a group of pioneering surgeons, the EACMFS has become Europe’s foremost professional body in cranio-maxillofacial surgery, with a worldwide reputation for excellence. The association aims to advance knowledge and clinical practice in the field, foster high standards in specialist training, and create uniform training requirements.

We are proud to announce the opening of our newly relocated Cardiac Surgery Department within the Heart Hospital, offering expanded space, advanced technology, and an innovative approach to cardiac care. Joining other cardiac units, the relocated Cardiac Surgery Department spans two floors, totaling 21,500-square-feet (2,000-square-meters), and features state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of cardiac patients and support the expertise of Rambam’s renowned cardiac surgery team. The move to the Heart Hospital brings two completely new, fully equipped operating rooms with the latest cardiac surgery technology, boosting Rambam's total operating rooms up to 24. On the same floor as the Intensive Care Unit and The Intermediate Care Unit Donated by Heidi Rothberg in Memory of Yair Kagan, these operating rooms eliminate the need for patient transfers between floors, reducing patient movement and enhancing comfort and safety. With patient safety in mind, the operating rooms are fully fortified, enabling the department to continue operations seamlessly during any potential external emergency like currently, in the face of missile threat over Haifa. Above the surgical facilities, the new inpatient cardiac surgery department occupies a full, bright, and spacious floor designed to support the specific needs of cardiac disease patients and their families. The improved layout and advanced amenities offer a welcoming, comfortable environment, enhancing the healing experience. This new facility represents a milestone in cardiac care at Rambam. It integrates the entire cardiac surgery system under one roof, allowing patients to receive comprehensive treatment: from diagnosis and catheterization to echocardiography and surgery - all within the Heart Hospital. The department’s esteemed medical team includes six senior doctors, among them Professor Benjamin Medalion, a cardiac failure specialist, and Professor Gideon Sahar, a leading expert in bypass surgery. The Heart Hospital is a leap forward in cardiac care and the newly relocated, state-of the art Cardiac Surgery Department adds another layer of cutting-edge care to Rambam's services, benefiting patients across Israel with its unified, collaborative approach to treatment.

This morning, the staff of Rambam’s Joseph Fishman Oncology Center paused all non-urgent activities to gather and share in the shock and profound grief over the loss of a brave soldier, 19-year-old Sergeant Yoav Daniel, z”l, who fell in battle in Lebanon. Yoav was the beloved son of Shachar Daniel, a senior physicist in the Radiotherapy Institute and a dedicated team member for over 20 years. Staff lit memorial candles and expressed their deep sorrow for their colleague's devastating loss. Professor Irit Ben-Aharon, Director of the Joseph Fishman Oncology Center, offered her condolences: “We are heartbroken over the passing of the late Yoav. This reality is unbearably difficult, and our hearts ache. Yoav was known to so many here since he was a child, and this loss is immense. We extend our deepest condolences and a warm embrace to the Daniel family.” Professor Salem Balan, Director of the Radiotherapy Institute, added: “Our hearts are broken. We all remember Yoav, the young, fair-haired boy who used to walk these corridors as the pride and joy of his father. We stand with Shachar and his family during this painful time.” May his memory be for a blessing

Amidst the War in Israel, A Thai worker who speaks no Hebrew or English was recently wounded in a Hezbollah attack in Northern Israel and brought to Rambam - the region’s largest trauma center, for treatment. Avigdor, our resourceful and devoted social worker, didn’t let the language barrier stand in his way and went above and beyond to communicate. Using a translation app, Avigdor asked questions in English, which the app translated into Thai, and the patient’s Thai response was then translated back to English. Language barrier or not, compassion always finds a way! #Rambam #hospital #healthcare #Israelunderattack

War-related Stress Linked to Cerebral Hemorrhage A new study led by Rambam Health Care Campus, in collaboration with four other major medical centers, reports an alarming rise in cerebral hemorrhage cases since October 7. The recent study, directed by Dr. Estelle Seyman, Head of Neurology B - Stroke at Rambam, with Professor Ronen Leker, Chair of the Israeli Stroke Society and Director of the Stroke Unit at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem, and Dr. Naim Samaan, Director of the Stroke Unit at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, documented a 20% increase in cerebral hemorrhage incidence. Researchers attribute this surge to war-related psychological stress and behavioral changes, rather than the typical causes, such as medication non-compliance or disrupted follow-up care among evacuees. Dr. Seyman said: “Our hypothesis is rooted in observed behavioral changes among patients in the early months of the war, We witnessed an influx of cerebral hemorrhage cases, with many patients reporting that disturbing war-related videos profoundly impacted them. Family members even urged them to stop watching this type of content.” The study found that cerebral hemorrhages increased not only among those directly affected by the war but across the general Israeli population. “War-related stress is commonly linked to psychiatric conditions, anxiety, PTSD, and depression,” Leker explains. “Our findings suggest that elevated stress levels may have heightened cerebral hemorrhage risk among vulnerable groups.” He emphasized that raising public awareness about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to distressing content could mitigate life-threatening complications. Researchers compared the incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in 348 individuals. One group included patients hospitalized during the first three months of the war, while the control group consisted of patients from the same period in the previous year. The most notable increase occurred in the first month after October 7, with 56 cases recorded compared to 40—a 17% rise. The study also revealed higher rates of complications, intensive care admissions, and epilepsy resulting from cerebral injuries within the study group. The findings will be presented at the Israel Stroke Society conference in November. #October7 #stroke #research #healthcare #Neurology

Rambam Welcomes NICU Babies from Carmel Medical Center in Coordinated Transfer Effort In a meticulously planned operation, we successfully received neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies from Carmel Medical Center, following yesterday’s relocation of 650 Rambam patients to the Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital. Following diligent protocols, dedicated medical teams from Carmel Medical Center, Magen David Adom in Israel, and Rambam collaborated in the transfer this morning. Traveling with a police escort for additional safety, these little patients were transported from Carmel in a specially equipped MDA bus. Their destination: the Ruth Rappaport Children’s Hospital at Rambam, home to the region’s fortified neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The first three floors of the children’s hospital are fully fortified, enabling the highest standards of care while eliminating the need for underground relocation for its youngest and most vulnerable patients. The health and safety of these little fighters remains the top priority as they receive the specialized medical attention they require. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the incredible doctors, nurses, and support staff who are working tirelessly to make this transfer a success. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiring reminder of the importance of teamwork in healthcare.

With increasing danger in northern Israel due to missile threats from Hezbollah, safety has become paramount, closing schools and disrupting daily life. In response, Rambam Health Care Campus has stepped up to support our essential medical staff: Safe Daycare for Our Community. The underground daycare for 450 children, ages 3-12, within our Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital in Haifa was opened yesterday. This initiative ensures that our dedicated medical professionals can continue their vital work without the added worry of their children's safety. Developed through collaboration with the Haifa Municipality and Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, with generous backing from the Frieze Family Foundation in Boston, this daycare transforms 10 rooms into a safe haven - complete with play areas, bunk beds, craft tables, and more. expertly designed by Bezalel’s volunteers, Lior Ramon and Sharon Ader. By providing this secure environment, Rambam is committed to supporting our doctors, nurses, and staff, allowing them to focus on delivering critical healthcare services to our community during these challenging times. We thank all partners who made this initiative possible, reinforcing our commitment to community strength and resilience.

Two days ago, almost 700 patients were transferred to Rambam's Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital. Rambam's aboveground fortified and protected areas allow some patients to remain hospitalized without the need for transfer. In addition, Rambam has 24 fortified, surgical suites, enabling full surgical services to continue during wartime. Most of Rambam's elective and outpatient services have been suspended. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our staff, this enormous undertaking was completed within several hours and the -3 level is fully operational and occupied. Patients from two other regional hospitals will soon arrive to the -2 floor of underground facility. One hospital's NICU already transferred it's patients to Rambam's fortified NICU . In addition, due to the complexity of administering ongoing dialysis treatments, Rambam has been providing patients from the regions dialysis clinics which treatment in the underground hospital. Rambam's role in safeguarding the health of Northern Israel’s residents cannot be underscored. #rambam #healthcareheroes #supportisrael