Prof. Avi Rifkind, a surgical chief and regarded by many as Israel’s pioneer traumatologist, is on alert status along with his team in Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem in the event US President Barak Obama requires surgical intervention during his visit. The major medical center, which is a leading trauma center in Israel remains on alert during the presidential visit as it has been selected to be the on-call emergency medical team should the need arise.

Rifkind points out that for one thing, the president is young and in good health and if the need for his intervention should arise, he will work hand in hand with the president’s medical team and personal physician, all accompanying the delegation on the visit. He adds the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) has made necessary arrangements regarding a trauma room and equipment during Obama’s 48-hour stay in Israel.

Prof. Rifkind was the on-call chief surgeon during other presidential visits as well, including Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)