Australian Trauma Physicians Conduct Training Mission in Israel

A delegation of Australian trauma physicians arrived in Israel on August 1 for a short-term medical mission organized by AUSiMED and the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. Led by Dr. Nir Samuel of Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Prof. Mark Fitzgerald of The Alfred Hospital and the National Trauma Research Institute, and Dr. Dany Ben-Eli of The Alfred, the team visited leading Israeli institutions—including Hadassah Ein Kerem, the Institute for Research in Military Medicine at Hebrew University, Rambam Health Care Campus, Sheba Medical Center and the Israel Center for Medical Simulation (MSR-Azrieli). The purpose was to exchange expertise, conduct full-scale simulations, and lay groundwork for ongoing mutual learning.

The Jerusalem Post

Dr. He noted that Israeli clinicians often train abroad and return with new approaches, making bilateral cooperation essential for maintaining cutting-edge trauma care. The delegation’s visits included hands-on sessions in simulation labs, where Australian physicians shared their experience from The Alfred—Australia’s largest trauma center—while learning about Israeli protocols and devices not previously encountered in Australia.

The Jerusalem Post

The mission outlined three future tracks: expanded people-to-people exchanges (short- and long-term fellowships), binational research projects, and joint innovation initiatives linking Israeli and Australian medical startups. These initiatives will be discussed at the first-ever Jerusalem Post Australia Summit, scheduled for November 19 in Sydney, which will feature a business and innovation program, a gala, and a private cocktail reception for leaders from hospitals, companies and startups.

The Jerusalem Post

Dr. Samuel described the visit as “very strong professionally” and “heartwarming” on a personal level, underscoring the rarity of such high-profile support amid broader diplomatic strains. The Jerusalem Post noted that since October 7, 2023, media coverage has often centered on rising antisemitism in Australia and disagreements between the two governments, making the mission a visible demonstration of continued professional ties.

The Jerusalem Post

• “We built a program with ongoing mutual learning and training,” — Dr. Nir Samuel, pediatric trauma specialist, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel

The Jerusalem Post

• “It was very strong professionally, but on a personal level, as an Israeli physician, it was really heartwarming,” — Dr. Nir Samuel, pediatric trauma specialist, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel

The Jerusalem Post