Children “treated” heart problems, “generated” stem cells, and virtually performed other procedures related to clinical and research medicine at Rambam’s booth at the Israel Innovation and Technology exhibit, held at the Boston Museum of Science last month. The exhibit, which attracted crowds, featured Israeli academic and medical institutions, as well as established high tech companies and start ups. The goal: to spotlight Israeli ingenuity, and its worldwide potential.

Thousands of visitors were exposed to Rambam’s medical advances at the Israel Innovation and Technology exhibit, held at the Boston Museum of Science from May
 2 -9, 2010. The exhibition came directly on the heels of the Israeli Innovation Weekend, which consisted of related lectures, presentations and panels at the Boston-area synagogue, Congregation MishkanTefila. Both high-profile events were well-attended and -received.

Rambam Health Care Campus Director Prof. Rafi Beyar took part in the Israeli Innovation Weekend, and was keynote speaker at the opening of the exhibition, which highlighted developments in medical robotics, heart technology, brain science, robotic surgery, water and solar technology and microbiology. At the fair, a wide cross section of Israeli academic and medical institutions, as well as companies, was represented.

Lisa Woliner with a visitor exploring Rambam’s booth at the Israel Innovation and Technology exhibit.                 Photo credit: AFORM.

The Rambam booth, a major attraction at the Israel Innovation and Technology exhibit, featured medical innovations through interactive simulations. Through this program, children were able to “treat” heart problems, “generate” stem cells, and virtually perform other procedures related to clinical and research medicine.  Lisa Woliner, of the American Friends of Rambam, patiently instructed visiting children how on how use the program.  Friends of Rambam Representative Robin Blatt organized Rambam’s participation in the fair.

Events at Miskan Tefila were organized by Sid and Nancy  Lejfer  in memory of the congregation’s former Rabbi, Alan J. Tichnor.
Speaking of Rambam’s critical role in medical innovation, Prof. Beyar acknowledged the importance of increased funding for biomedical research. “Almost all the successes in the medical device industry in Israel have had strong ties with the Rambam campus, either in concept or in preclinical animal studies, or in clinical studies,” said the Rambam director. “In spite of our record for success, however, there is not enough funding for biomedical research. Most of the large investments come from private money. University and hospital-based biomedical research is underfunded and requires a major upgrading.”