Only six burn specialists in Israel: In light of war lessons, doctors will be able to specialize in the country

For the first time in Israel, an official training program for plastic surgery specialists in treating burn victims has been approved. Currently, only six specialists in the field operate in the country, and the program aims to expand their number and reduce the need for training abroad. The Ministry of Health and the Scientific Council of the Israel Medical Association approved the fellowship, promoted by the Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. The training will last one year and take place at Sheba Medical Center. It is intended for doctors who have already completed a residency in plastic surgery and includes training in intensive care for burn victims, management of complex cases, research, and preparedness for mass casualty events. Until now, doctors seeking to specialize in burn treatment relied on on-the-job training or went abroad for fellowships. According to Prof. Yossi Haik, chairman of the association, a stay for a doctor and their family may cost about 100,000 euros in Europe or about 100,000 dollars in the United States. The full program will be presented at the association's annual conference.