Sources inform ''Globes'' that Assuta Medical Centers Ltd. has reached an understanding with Tel Aviv University, which will send medical students for clinical training at Assuta's hospital in Ramat Hahayal in Tel Aviv, beginning in the upcoming academic year.
Alongside the potential for dealing with the shortage of doctors due to the lack of space and budgets at current training public hospitals, there is concern that Assuta will headhunt senior doctors who are tempted by academic work as much as by salaries. Currently many senior doctors cannot abandon their primary jobs at public hospitals because it is a basis for research, teaching new doctors, and strengthening their reputations in the private sector. If Assuta can also meet these needs, more senior doctors will work there instead of at public hospitals.
Assuta chairman Prof. Shuki Shemer does not deny that this is his vision. "In the future, we'll have more full timers. That's my vision; doctors who work full time and not just part time."
Shemer is concerned, however, that Tel Aviv University is facing pressure to cancel the agreement, implying that public hospitals are behind it. Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital) and Tel Hashomer Medical Center, key rivals of Assuta, declined to comment.
Tel Aviv University was embarrassed by "Globes"' inquiry, saying that there was no final agreement on the matter.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 18, 2012
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012