Terem has launched a pioneering and unique program designed to train and advance medical staff, paramedics, and nurses with experience in emergency medicine to become physician assistants. Trainees are required to thoroughly understand the principles of treatment according to Terem’s protocols and train with senior doctors in the network, receiving personal mentoring. Currently, there are emergency medicine and orthopedic physician assistants who perform their duties faithfully under the supervision of senior doctors and assist in treating hundreds of thousands of patients in our clinics.
Physician Assistant Training: The Beginning
Since 2010, Terem has been a pioneer in the field of physician assistants in Israel. Terem initiates and leads this field, continuously upgrading the skills and status of physician assistants. The role of physician assistants is well-developed in Western countries, where they significantly support healthcare systems and excel in their capabilities and knowledge. Terem began employing physician assistants several years ago, with the launch of the first internal emergency medicine physician assistant course led by Dr. David Zlotnick, Terem’s Medical Director, and Dr. Ze’ev Wimphheimer, Medical Director of Terem Beit Shemesh. The course includes nursing staff with an academic background in nursing or emergency medicine (paramedics) and relevant experience in their roles.
Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant
The course lasts about a year and covers various aspects of emergency medicine, focusing on diseases and treatments, patient examinations, suturing, gluing, and more. After these stages, trainees go into the field to work alongside senior doctors and assist in patient examinations in various clinics.
Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Following the success of the emergency medicine program, a new program for orthopedic physician assistants was introduced, led by Dr. Amir Rubin, an orthopedic specialist at Sha’are Zedek Hospital and head of Terem’s orthopedic department. The program includes theoretical and practical studies at Terem and in the emergency and orthopedic departments at Sha’are Zedek. Later, trainees work in the field alongside orthopedic specialists in various clinics.
The Future
There are plans to continue developing this field and promote its academic recognition to strengthen Israel’s healthcare services and maintain leadership in emergency medicine.