Newsletter#45
 
March 2016


2015-2016 APF Fellow Dr. Roy Kessous -
Aiming a Trident at Some Rather Grim Statistics 
Dr. Roy Kessous and his family
Dr. Roy Kessous is aiming a trident at some rather grim statistics.
 
After initial treatment, about 75 percent of ovarian cancer patients will face the disease again. Most, after retreatment, will die.

"We just don't have good treatment for this disease, which starts with the fact that it's almost always diagnosed in the later stages," says Kessous, a 2015-2016 APF Research Fellow at Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, part of Jewish General Hospital at McGill University in Montreal. "In fact, we now believe it's not one disease, it's many - with different molecular structures."
 
Acting Associate Director General of Israel Ministry of Health, Prof. Arnon Afek - in Boston 
From left: Jerry Tichner, APF Board Member; Prof. Arnon Afek, Speaker; Ben Shamir, APF Executive Director
Last night, APF hosted a dynamic event with Professor Arnon Afek, the Acting Associate Director General of the Israel Ministry of Health and Chairman of Israel's Department of Medical Administration. 

Professor Afek delivered an exciting and informative lecture about the status and successes of the Israeli health care system to a gathering of dozens of APF friends and supporters.  Attendees came from all across the Boston area and from as far away as Rhode Island! Professor Afek, with his tremendous background as a leader of the healthcare system in Israel, discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the Israeli model as compared to that of other countries.  He spoke about the world recognized efficiencies of Israel's healthcare system and also vividly described how Israel's many innovative programs and research developments help address its population's healthcare needs.


We extend our special thanks to our Board Member, Mr. Jerry Tichner, a partner at the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, who hosted the highly successful gathering.  We also want to thank the Consulate General of Israel to New England, CJP (Combined Jewish Philanthropies), World Boston and American Friends of Tel Aviv University for partnering with us and helping to make this event a success! 
Upcoming Nationwide APF Events, March- April 2016:
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Rethinking Trauma, Resilience and Recovery 
Talia Levanon, MSW
War, natural disaster, tragedy and bereavement are global phenomena. Israelis, unfortunately, have more experience than most. Individuals, families and entire communities are left emotionally exposed and fragile. Many are psychologically traumatized; they experience distress and disruption. Their quality of life is affected as well as their ability to function.
 
This shared reality is not limited to direct victims but extends to first responders, caregivers and policy makers. Over the years, Israel has developed a wide variety of trauma-related interventions at all levels. The Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) addresses the psychological impact of these very issues and ensures not only a comprehensive identification of needs but the delivery of a continuum of trauma services in a timely fashion.
 
Speaker:  
Talia Levanon, MSW, is the Director of the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) 
(www.israeltraumacoalition.org)

Talia will describe the work of ITC and its professional responsibility for the strengthening of Israel's social resilience on a national scale. She will also describe ITC's (and Israel's) functioning as "a light unto the nations" through the organization's outreach and direct involvement in providing these services  world-wide in response to major traumatic events.

When:   Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 7:00pm
Where: Adat Shalom Synagogue   
            29901 Middle Belt Road 
            Farmington Hills, MI 48334 
 
 
Florida, Atlanta, Washington, DC and New York  
Speaker:  
Dr. Salman Zarka -
Director General, Ziv Medical Center in Zefat, Northern Israel   

Humanitarian Medical Aid for Syrian Civil War Casualties 

When: 
March 29-30 - Aventura and Boca
March 31 - Atlanta
April 3 - Washington, DC
April 4 - Manhattan 

Please contact our office for more details
Due to an Increased Demand - Additional Course This Spring in Israel! Register NOW!
Click and watch APF Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Course in Israel Video
APF's 18th (חי) Annual Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Course Will Take Place in Israel, May 21-26, 2016
Please complete the 2016 Course Registration Form and return it to APF along with your deposit to reserve your spot today!
For additional information please Click Here or contact APF office. 
Upcoming Summer Medical APF/Birthright Trip to Israel - For Healthcare Students
APF is once again partnering with Taglit-Birthright Israel and Israel Outdoors to provide a 10-day experience in Israel designed for medical students, nursing students, and other medical professionals (admitted medical students qualify). This enhanced Birthright Israel experience combines all of the highlights of an Israel tour along with special medical programming such as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Medical Corps Training Base in the Negev, and speakers that highlight the unique aspects of medicine in Israel. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Israel and also network with Israeli healthcare peers.

2015 APF Medical Birthright group on their trip to Israel
2015 APF Medical Birthright group on their trip to Israel

APF Medical Birthright is in the NEWS!!
 

American Physicians Fellowship for Medicine in Israel