Nurturing next generation physicians: A new Israeli healthtech fellowship

Abstract

The Israeli Society for HealthTech aims at advancing the integration of innovation and healthcare entrepreneurship into medical practice and across traditional health professions, to benefit patients and improve quality of care. In 2021, the Society launched the first fellowship for board certified physicians in HealthTech. This backstory discusses the motivation of launching the program and reviews the design of the fellowship, including curriculum, the expertise of the lecturers, and initial tangible results of the program. The Israeli Society for HealthTech aims at advancing the integration of innovation and healthcare entrepreneurship into medical practice and across traditional health professions, to benefit patients and improve quality of care. In 2021, the Society launched the first fellowship for board certified physicians in HealthTech. This backstory discusses the motivation of launching the program and reviews the design of the fellowship, including curriculum, the expertise of the lecturers, and initial tangible results of the program. The fellowship is a one-year program. It includes three phases: a series of formal introductory lectures delivered over the course of two weeks followed by two five-month part-time (two days per week) internships hosted by healthtech companies. During the internships, the trainees also meet for a whole day biweekly for further studies. At the end of the year, the trainees take part in a round-up program.Physicians’ most famous oath that describes their career commitment is the Hippocratic Oath. It contains the famous words, “I will do no harm or injustice to them [my patients]”. With the advent of technology and its ability to offer improved care, it seems that this commitment of doing no harm and injustice might not mean only being an expert of the medical profession but also being technology savvy.The fellowship program opens new horizons to the fellows. Within one year, out of the 18 alumni, 5 were nominated to lead new innovation centers and programs within prominent healthcare organizations.

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