Name: Karny Shouchane-Blum

Israeli Institution: Rabin Medical Center

North American Institution: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada

Fellowship Year: 2025-2026

Description:
Dr. Karny Shouchane-Blum is pursuing an advanced Surgical Vitreoretinal Fellowship at the University of Alberta in order to acquire highly specialized clinical, surgical, and research expertise that is not currently available at the same scale in Israel. Leading North American fellowship programs are distinguished by their high patient volumes, subspecialty depth, and integrated academic environments—elements that are essential for mastering the full spectrum of complex retinal disease.
This fellowship will provide intensive, hands-on training in the diagnosis and surgical management of advanced retinal conditions. Exposure to a high volume of complex cases will accelerate Dr. Shouchane-Blum’s development as an independent vitreoretinal surgeon, enabling her to refine advanced surgical techniques and make confident, evidence-based decisions in real-world clinical settings.
Training in Canada also offers exposure to a uniquely diverse patient population, encompassing a wide range of ethnic, genetic, and socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity enables experience with rare and complex retinal diseases that are seldom encountered in Israel, strengthening diagnostic precision and clinical judgment.
A particularly important component of the fellowship is specialized training in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)—a critical and time-sensitive condition affecting premature newborns. This expertise will significantly expand Dr. Shouchane-Blum’s ability to provide life-changing care to vulnerable infants in Israel. Additional subspecialty training in retinal oncology and inherited retinal diseases will further broaden her expertise, equipping her to manage rare, complex, and high-impact conditions that currently require referral abroad or limited local expertise.
The fellowship also emphasizes clinical research and large-scale data analysis. Dr. Shouchane-Blum plans to lead studies focused on disease progression, surgical outcomes, complications, and innovative treatment strategies. This research experience will strengthen Israel’s capacity for evidence-based retinal care and contribute to global advances in ophthalmology.
Equally important is the opportunity to train alongside world-class vitreoretinal surgeons and build lasting international professional relationships. These collaborations will foster ongoing knowledge exchange and future joint research initiatives, ensuring continued innovation long after the fellowship concludes.
This fellowship represents a significant personal and professional commitment, undertaken with a clear intention to return and serve. Upon returning to Israel, Dr. Shouchane-Blum will bring advanced surgical skills, research expertise, and educational leadership to her home institution. As part of her training, she will also gain substantial experience in teaching and mentoring residents—preparing her to help train the next generation of Israeli ophthalmologists.