Name: Alona Katzir

Israeli Institution: Hadassah University Hospitals

North American Institution: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Fellowship Year: 2025-2026

Description:
Dr. Alona Katzir is an orthopedic surgeon with a deep commitment to advancing trauma care and is beginning an advanced Trauma Fellowship at Parkland Memorial Hospital—one of the United States’ premier Level I trauma centers and a global leader in orthopedic trauma. Training at this institution represents a critical step in acquiring expertise that is not currently available at the same depth or scale in Israel.

Orthopedic trauma care in Israel is facing a growing crisis. There is a significant decline in manpower within this vital subspecialty, and attracting young physicians has become increasingly difficult. The recent war has underscored the urgent national need for highly trained orthopedic trauma surgeons, with demand expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

Dr. Katzir’s commitment to this field was shaped through her participation in a groundbreaking program at Hadassah Medical Center designed to expose young physicians to trauma surgery. That experience ignited her passion for orthopedic trauma and reinforced the profound impact this specialty has on saving lives, restoring function, and enabling recovery after severe injury.

The fellowship at Parkland Memorial Hospital offers unparalleled exposure to high-volume, high-acuity trauma cases and mentorship from internationally recognized leaders in the field. Her future mentors are pioneers in minimally invasive orthopedic trauma techniques that are not yet widely practiced in Israel. Gaining hands-on experience with these methods will allow Dr. Katzir to introduce safer procedures, reduce complications, and accelerate recovery for trauma patients upon her return.

In addition to clinical training, the fellowship provides a strong research environment that fosters innovation and evidence-based practice. Dr. Katzir is committed to combining clinical excellence with academic leadership, using research to identify gaps in care and translate insights into meaningful improvements.

This fellowship requires significant personal and professional commitment, including relocation abroad in order to acquire skills that are urgently needed at home. Upon returning to Israel, Dr. Katzir plans to help rebuild and strengthen orthopedic trauma services, train the next generation of surgeons, and ensure that Israel remains at the forefront of trauma care.