Prof. Lawrence Lenke, a leading figure in spinal deformity surgery, visited Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) on Sunday for a professional program aimed at expanding cooperation between Israeli clinicians and international experts, according to a joint statement by the hospital and the nonprofit Lema’ancha.
During the visit, Shamir hosted a specialized spine-surgery symposium attended by senior orthopedists and residents from across Israel, focusing on complex clinical cases and decision-making in scoliosis and other spinal deformities. Organizers said the goal was to strengthen practical knowledge transfer and align local treatment with international standards.
Case-based symposium spotlights complex deformity surgery
Lenke, known for his work on surgical strategies for idiopathic scoliosis and other deformities in children and adults, participated in open case discussions led by Israeli teams, the organizers said. Sessions addressed operative planning in challenging scenarios, the integration of advanced technologies, and tailoring approaches to individual patients.
Speakers also discussed how emerging tools are reshaping spine care in Israel, including augmented-reality guidance and robotics that have already been used in complex procedures at Israeli hospitals. Recent Jerusalem Post reporting has highlighted both AR surgical guidance for spinal implants and AR robotic spinal surgery as examples of the direction of the field.
Lema’ancha frames visit as part of ongoing international outreach
The visit was initiated by Lema’ancha, chaired by founder Yossi Arbelich and led by organization president Prof. Yosef Peres, as part of efforts to connect Israeli public healthcare to global medical expertise, the statement said.
At Shamir, the program was led by Prof. Yoram Anka (head of Orthopedic Department B) and Prof. Yossi Smorgick (head of the spine unit), who oversee clinical and academic activity in spinal surgery at the hospital, according to organizers.
Visiting surgeon joins clinical work, performs complex operations
Beyond lectures and case conferences, Lenke joined clinical work at Shamir and performed several complex surgeries alongside local teams, the organizers said, describing it as hands-on training intended to deepen long-term cooperation.
Organizers said the collaboration reflects a broader push to bring world-class techniques into Israel’s public system, including technology-driven approaches that have been developing for years. The Jerusalem Post has previously reported on Israeli innovation in the field, including robot-assisted advances in delicate spinal surgery.
Lenke said the visit was intended to build an enduring professional partnership, thanking Lema’ancha and Shamir for the invitation and emphasizing continued collaboration on scoliosis care and complex cases.
Shamir deputy director Dr. Yuval Ran said the developing cooperation “places scoliosis care here at the highest global professional level,” adding that the hospital’s teams are committed to innovative solutions for children and adults.