Israel Approves First Local Training Program to Tackle Burn Specialist Shortage
Israel approved its first official local fellowship program for burn specialists to combat a severe national shortage, with only six certified experts currently practicing in the country.
Israel currently has only six certified burn specialists, a critical shortage highlighted by the outbreak of the war. To address this gap, the Ministry of Health and the Scientific Council of the Israel Medical Association have approved a pioneering local training program.
Developed by the Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, the one-year fellowship will take place at Sheba Medical Center. It is designed for doctors who have already completed their residency in plastic surgery, offering intensive training in burn intensive care, complex case management, research, and mass casualty event preparedness.
Breaking the Barrier of Overseas Training
Previously, physicians seeking burn specialization had to rely on on-the-job training or travel abroad. According to Prof. Yossi Haik, chairman of the association, moving abroad for a year imposes a heavy financial and personal burden, often costing around 100,000 euros in Europe or 100,000 dollars in the United States.
"Not everyone can uproot their family and leave," Haik told the press. "The new program will establish a structured domestic training pathway combining clinical care, research, and administration for the first time."
Lessons Learned from Wartime Preparedness
The onset of the war required immediate adjustments, including refresher courses for plastic surgeons, inventory checks of medical equipment, and administrative arrangements to allow specialists to practice across different hospitals.
Treating severe burns is a lengthy process spanning months, involving initial stabilization, repeated surgeries, skin grafts, infection prevention, and rehabilitation. The new fellowship aims to bolster both emergency readiness and routine medical care nationwide.
