The first and only training program of its kind in Israel and even in the world started at HIT Holon Institute of Technology.

The program is an initiative of the Department of Digital Technologies in Medicine through the School of Certificate Studies at HIT, in collaboration with Synergy 3DMed and Klalit Health Services (the largest and oldest health organization in Israel), who recognized the need to expose professionals: doctors, medical imaging specialists, medical device engineers , industrial designers, mechanical engineers and more for what is happening at the forefront of 3D technologies in medicine, and together they developed a unique and comprehensive training program in this fascinating and innovative field.

“In recent years, HIT has been leading the world of innovation in the Israeli academy in aspects of digital health and medical technologies,” says Dr. Raphael Barchan – Vice President of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Internationalization, HIT Holon Institute of Technology. “I am excited to launch the unique training program to establish personalized medical services, When this program joins the institute’s flagship program – the B.Sc. in digital technologies in medicine – and to other programs that exist and will be established soon in the world of medical technologies.”

The program includes theoretical studies and practical training, in which the learners will face practical challenges. By using CT and MRI imaging it is possible to produce three-dimensional models that help doctors prepare for surgeries, optimize medical procedures in the operating room, and produce customized surgical accessories. All of these have been proven to optimize surgical procedures, speed up recovery and rehabilitation times from surgeries, and increase the sense of security of doctors before complex surgeries and procedures.

“The 3D printing technology revolution is at the forefront of medical innovation and is an important component of personalized medicine. More and more medical centers and medical equipment companies are striving to lead this revolution and establish personalized medicine services,” says Yael Avni, head of the MADE laboratory for the development and design of technologies for medical needs at the institute and the academic director of the curriculum.

“From knowing the needs of the market and understanding that the replacement of traditional surgical methods with the assimilation and application of 3D design and printing technologies as well as the integration of augmented and virtual reality capabilities, allow precision in the performance of medical procedures and guarantee their success.”

So far there has been no training program in the field and the institute, as a leader of innovation in the worlds of digital medicine, is once again taking the lead in leading this necessary move. “The integration of a technological academic institute in multidisciplinary training and understanding alongside familiarity with medical challenges and technological solutions from various sectors, enables the development of innovative solutions and dealing with complex surgical procedures by applying innovative tools, materials and software solutions, leading to a revolution in the world of medicine” says Miki Liberos, CEO To and owner Synergy 3DMed.

The first cycle was started by 23 students, including senior doctors, orthopedic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial specialists, ophthalmologists, medical technologists, anesthesiologist assistants and X-ray technicians. They will learn how to work with dedicated 3D software for medical needs, with the help of which they will perform segmentation (switching from 2D to 3D – from CT/MRI files to 3D models) and design personal and dedicated accessories and aids for each patient.

“Klelit, as the largest and leading healthcare organization in Israel, emphasizes innovative and personalized medicine and is a partner in the blessed and pioneering HIT initiative of the Holon Institute of Technology and the Synergy company. We are training future planners in the 3D field with representatives from the various Klelit hospitals and different sectors. The transition from the 2D world 3D is a transition to personalized medicine that breaks boundaries,” says Sara Hadar, director of the digital health department, hospital division, General Health Services.

As part of the program, a variety of expert lecturers in their field in Israel will teach from the fields of orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, medical planning, management of 3D laboratories in medical centers and more. The program is six months long and includes one study day a week. Graduates of the training will receive certificates of completion of the HIT School of Diploma Studies.

“Without a doubt, this is a groundbreaking program that will change the interaction between medical procedures and technological innovation. The program trains professionals who will solve medical challenges alongside existing and future technological solutions. I am confident that the program will enable the integration of its graduates into the Health Tech industry and the innovation centers of the hospitals in Israel” he concludes Dr. Israel Ohanov – Head of the School of Certificate Studies, HIT Holon Institute of Technology.

This new field of specialization requires professionals who are familiar with the world of 3D, printing technologies, materials, and planning in 3D software, and also know the world of medicine for its concepts and processes, imaging software, types of surgical procedures, familiarity with different types of medical equipment, regulation, and more.

Those who complete the course will be able to hire a new and much needed professional in the advanced medical world – “Medical Planner”.