Author: Karen Teshuva

Introducing AUSiMED's 2022 Lowy Paediatric Fellows
by in

Introducing AUSiMED's 2022 Lowy Paediatric Fellows

Dr Nir Samuel (AUSiMED Fellow) with Prof Mark Fitzgerald and Dr Danny Ben-Eli (Trauma Service, Alfred Health, and NTRI)

Two Israeli paediatricians, Dr Nir Samuel and Dr Clair Habib, began their AUSiMED Fellowships in 2022.

Nir is training Paediatric Trauma Care at the Alfred Hospital Trauma Services and the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne. Upon returning to Israel in early 2023, Nir is expecting to take on the Trauma Lead of Paediatric Emergency Department.

Dr Clair Habib (AUSiMED Fellow) and Dr Karen Teshuva (AUSiMED National Program Director)
Clair is receiving research and clinical training in neuro-genetics at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and RCH. Upon returning to Israel in September 2023, Clair is expecting to take on a senior role as a paediatric neuro-geneticist at Rambam Health Care Campus. Both Fellowships were made possible by the generous support of the Lowy Foundation.
The new-look, future-ready AUSiMED
by in

The new-look, future-ready AUSiMED

The boards of AUSiMED and Hadassah Australia Medical Research & Collaborations Foundation (HAMRC) are excited to announce their unification under the AUSiMED banner.

The unification took effect with the first meeting of the re-constituted AUSiMED Board on 18 August, 2021. This step forward will enhance AUSiMED’s capacity to support medical research excellence and drive improvements in global health by:
  • increasing opportunities for Australian researchers to link with world-leading medical institutions throughout Israel;
  • enabling better use of the specialist resources that both AUSiMED and HAMRC bring to bear;
  • increasing of the number of high-quality and exciting medical research projects and fellowships we are able to support; and
  • providing a destination for philanthropic support where the focus is on Australia-Israel collaborative medical research.
“The unification of AUSiMED and Hadassah Australia Medical Research & Collaborations Foundation (HAMRC) is a powerful manifestation of unity around a shared purpose and vision. Looking to the future, success and effectiveness will increasingly be defined by collaborations and coalitions of this nature. The new-look, strengthened and inclusive AUSiMED is future-proof and perfectly placed to promote medical research, education and innovation opportunities between Israel and Australia.”  Emeritus Professor Les White AM, AUSiMED Patron and former NSW Chief Paediatrician The respective Medical Science Review and Development Committees have also unified. Dr Karen Teshuva will continue in her role as National Program Director and Rosemary Carrick and Dorit Jaffe will assist AUSiMED in development activities. The new AUSiMED Board is committed to creating new opportunities for collaborative medical research and investing in fellowships and international knowledge exchange programs. 
Introducing AUSiMED's 2020 Lowy Paediatric Fellow
by in

Introducing AUSiMED's 2020 Lowy Paediatric Fellow

In August 2020, Israeli paediatrician Dr Einat Martonovich-Lantsberg began her AUSiMED Fellowship at the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital . Einat is receiving training in community child health under the supervision of Prof Gehan Roberts and Prof Frank Oberklaid. On her return to Israel, her new skills and knowledge in community child health will contribute greatly to identifying and responding to developmental, behavioral and psychosocial issues among Israeli children, especially in low-income communities.

This Fellowship was made possible by the generous support of the Lowy Foundation.

A unique experience in an exceptional time
by in

A unique experience in an exceptional time

Israeli paediatrician Dr Moran Almog returned to Israel in August 2020 after completing his 12-month AUSiMED Research Fellowship in Cardiac Embryology at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) in Sydney.

Moran’s Fellowship was made possible by the generous support of the Lowy Foundation.

Moran describes his Fellowship experience as, ‘a unique experience during an exceptional time.’

He spent a year in Sydney with his family enjoying the cutting-edge research facilities at the VCCRI and learning advanced genomic analysis skills under the supervision of Professor Sally Dunwoodie.

When most VCCRI employees were requested to work from home in March 2020 due to COVID 19, Moran continued his research activities from home. According to Professor Dunwoodie, despite the restricted personal interactions and limited access to the lab, Moran gained the knowledge required to assemble and run a genetic program focused on congenital heart disease. He also formed a clinical and research network of expert clinicians, computer scientists and the experimental biologists that he can draw upon as he works to establish a similar research program in Israel.

Professor Dunwoodie also credited Moran for being a wonderful ambassador for Israel saying,

“I personally really valued the conversations that he and I had about Israel and I know that my colleagues did also.”

AUSiMED wishes Moran great success in his career in paediatric cardiology in Israel.