Health confab in Israel eyes ‘state of the heart’

HAIFA — Leading researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters gathered at the Rambam Health Care Campus for its annual healthcare summit recently where they showcased some of the most exciting innovations and solutions to the global strategic challenges facing cardiovascular innovations and digital health.

 Prof. Yuval Noah Harari, the best-selling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, spoke about the future of medicine.

“We’re on the cusp of perhaps the greatest change for the human race with what is happening in the biotech field, in artificial intelligence,” he said.

Participants were shown cutting-edge technological capabilities such as a robotic cardiac surgery and optogenetic treatments of abnormal heartbeats. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Rambam facility, including a tour of the Sammy Ofer Underground Fortified Emergency Hospital.

The conference culminated with a gala reception and ceremony where two leading researchers were recognized with The Rambam Award, which recognizes remarkable individuals for their contributions to medicine, science and technology, as well as their passion and special generosity to the State of Israel. This year’s recipients were: Prof. William Brody, former president of the Salk Institute who was recognized for innovations in the treatment of cardiovascular disease; Prof. Eric Topol of the Scripps Translational Institute, for his work on digitizing and democratizing medicine; and Sandor Frankel and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. Professors Brody and Topol both delivered key lectures at the summit.

“Rambam’s doctors and researchers are doing exciting work that is at the forefront of the future of medicine,” Brody said.

Topol stated that “this is the most exciting time in the history of medicine. Before, when we saw the patient, we had very little data and only a limited view of each individual. Now, with digitization of the medical essence, physiology sensors, the analysis of the patient’s DNA microbiome, and the widespread use of smartphones to diagnose, monitor and analyze his condition, it has all changed.”