Rambam Representatives at Israeli Translational Research Network Conference

Leading physician-scientists from Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, attended the third annual conference of the Israeli Translational Research Network held this year at Ichilov Medical Center (Ichilov) in Tel Aviv, where the importance of research, the impact of the war, advanced technologies, and the future of medicine were discussed.

(L-R) Dr. Shlomit Yehudai-Reshef, Dr. Iyad Khamaysi, attending physician, Institute of Gastroenterology, Professor Lior Gepstein, and Dr. Amir Minerbi, director of Rambam’s Pain Relief Clinic. Photography: Rambam HCC.

Professor Lior Gepstein, director of Rambam’s Department of Cardiology and Division of Research, and Dr. Shlomit Yehudai-Reshef, director of the Leir Foundation Clinical Research Institute at Rambam (CRIR), recently participated in the third annual conference of the Israeli Translational Research Network (ITR), held this year at Ichilov. During the conference, physician-scientists from leading Israeli hospitals presented the latest breakthroughs in their fields.

The ITR network, a CRIR initiative, aims to promote applied medical research in Israel, create a community of researchers within health organizations, and encourage research collaborations. Currently, 17 organizations, including hospitals, the Ministry of Health, and HMOs, are represented in the expanding network.

“Israel is a global leader in medical research, and now, when international relations are strained, it is important for us to unite and emphasize the importance of local research—the foundation for the future of medicine,” says Professor Gepstein.

Professor Roni Gamzu, director of Ichilov, spoke of ITR-member collaborations. He encouraged hospitals and research institute cooperation to improve public health in Israel.

Given the dramatic increase in the need for mental health services since the Swords of Iron war began, especially for post-trauma support, the topic was highlighted. Developments in cardiology, cancer, pain medicine, cell therapy, and the influence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data on healthcare, were elaborated upon.

“Our vision includes promoting translational research, focusing on medical challenges identified at the patient’s bedside, and developing innovative solutions in collaboration with academia and industry,” adds Dr. Yehudai-Reshef. “The resulting drug therapies, diagnostic methods, medical devices, a deeper understanding of diseases and treatment, benefit patients, and improve and promote good health and quality of life.” She also spoke of Israel’s distinct advantages—its size and a culture fostering innovation. “We brought ITR members and health organizations together to promote and accelerate the development of innovative solutions and further strengthen Israel’s reputation in international research.”