The American Healthcare Professionals and Friends for Medicine in Israel (APF) is an organization of U.S. and Canadian healthcare professionals dedicated to ensuring Israel’s emergency preparedness and enabling Israeli healthcare providers to train in cutting-edge medicine in the U.S. before taking leadership positions in Israeli medical institutions.
APF fosters deeper understanding of and commitment to the State of Israel through its many innovative and cooperative programs. Because APF is not affiliated with any particular medical institution in Israel, we are able to provide assistance to a wide array of medical facilities and programs in Israel. APF has excellent relations with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Medical Corps of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Fellowship Program for Israeli Physicians
The founders of APF wisely made the Fellowship Program the flagship of our early goals, and it remains so today. Since its inception in 1950, more than 1,500 gifted and deserving Fellows have been chosen through a rigorous selection process and then supported in their pursuit of postdoctoral clinical training and research in North America. As a result, they have been a focal point in the continual transformation of medical care in Israel. From cutting-edge surgical techniques to advanced diagnostic tools to the establishment of new community health clinics, APF is proud to play an integral and critical role in the healthcare of the people of Israel.
Advanced Training in Israel for Americans
APF provides the opportunity for North American healthcare professionals to receive advanced training in disaster management. In conjunction with the MOH and the IDF Medical Corps, Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Courses in Israel are offered each year, presenting emergency as well as peacetime-preparedness techniques. This exchange of skills in emergency management could not be timelier, as it also protects American citizens in times of heightened security concerns.
Emergency Medical Volunteer Registry
APF is the only organization designated by the State of Israel to maintain a Registry of Emergency Medical Volunteers (EMV Program). In the event of a declared national crisis in Israel, APF volunteers are called upon to provide medical care and assistance in civilian hospitals.
Additionally, APF advances its important mission through other programs. APF is proud to offer travel grants and awards to Israeli physicians and other healthcare professionals to facilitate their attendance at international meetings and conferences. Special Grants awarded to Israeli oncologists for postdoctoral fellowship training. The Solomon Hirsh Nursing Awards are granted to several Israeli nurses each year enabling them to visit leading North American medical institutions to learn new methods and techniques to bring back to their respective Israeli hospitals.
APF/Birthright Israel Trips for Healthcare Students
APF has developed a unique Student Program that includes an APF/Birthright Israel medical trip to Israel for medical students, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Much has been accomplished over the past seven decades, but there is still a lot to do. We hope you will become a part of our mission.