CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
Health care professionals from across Canada are invited to attend a series of CME sessions sponsored by the Jewish Medical Association of B.C. featuring exciting topics presented by Israeli researchers and entrepreneurs interacting in real time with a Canadian audience.
All the sessions take place at 10am PCT / 12pm EST / corresponding times across the country.
The following sessions are scheduled:
Sunday, January 17, 2027
Dr. Michael Halberthal of Rambam Hospital
How to operate an underground hospital
Professor Michael "Miki" Halberthal will talk about his instrumental role oversaw the activation of Rambam’s Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital to manage patient overflow during the pandemic and wars.
He is Director-General and CEO of the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel, which houses the world's largest fortified underground emergency hospital—the Sammy Ofer Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital. Built beneath the Rambam campus parking garage, the three-level structure converts from a 1,400-car parking lot into a massive fortified medical centre.
The facility can house up to 8,000 individuals (patients, staff, and casualties), has 24 operating rooms, an employee daycare center, and complete self-sufficiency in electricity, water, food, and oxygen for up to three days during conventional or unconventional warfare.
He has also been instrumental in overseeing completion of the Joseph Fishman Oncology Center, Eyal Ofer Heart Hospital, the ongoing development of Helmsley Health Discovery Tower and the Azrieli Foundation Pediatric Rehabilitation Centre.
He was awarded the 2025 Rambam Award by Rambam Health Care Campus for his exceptional leadership, groundbreaking contributions to emergency preparedness worldwide, and dedication to advancing healthcare excellence at Rambam Health Care Campus.
Video of interest:
2025 Rambam Award - Michael Halberthal
Pre-reading:
Amid Northern Jitters Haifas Fortified Underground Hospital Readies for War
These talks will be presented as Journal Club sessions, involving pre-reading and subsequently receiving CME credits.
Sessions will be presented on-line. In addition, we encourage people to meet in small groups to enhance the educational experience. Upon registration, we’ll share your contact info with local organizers to invite you to any small group sessions in your area.
GOALS OF THESE SESSIONS:
Increase exposure to Israeli medical innovations.
Increase medical knowledge
Promote interactions between Israeli and Canadian health-care personnel