Emergency and trauma physicians and surgeons are responsible for rapidly diagnosing and treating their patients. Moreover, it is the trauma “system” itself – teamwork and ongoing training – that fundamentally impacts the health and survival of patients.

Improving cross-border trauma care will benefit Israeli and Palestinian patients and provide a platform for ongoing cross-border cooperation and professional development.

The ATLS course is an internationally recognized training course adopted by over 80 countries including Israel, while Palestinian physicians have not had local access to the course. ATLS certification has become a criterion for most international fellowships and employment.

Through the inspiring support of 30 Rotary Clubs and six districts in the USA, Canada, Australia and Israel, the certified Operating Together ATLS training program is being offered to physicians from the West Bank and Israel in 2022.

Our project will ultimately create a regional network of more than 100 certified trauma specialists operating together in the region, exchanging cases on a regular basis, and consulting in real-time.

It has also driven the inclusion of Palestinian surgeons in Israeli ATLS Instructors’ Training Courses, which will facilitate a sustainable and independent ATLS training protocol in Palestine.

The ATLS Course is a joint program with Operating Together, an organisation established by:

– Dr. Adam Goldstein, Director of the Trauma Unit, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon.

– Dr. Tamer Abu Jreis, Resident in the Anesthesiology Department, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem.

OUTCOME

The Project Rozana program will provide an official ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) course for Palestinian and Israeli physicians.

IMPACT

A platform establishing professional and personal relationships between Israeli and Palestinian doctors undertaking the course, as well as improve trauma care in the Palestinian Territories.