About the SeReNe Initiative
How it all started?
The SeReNe initiative began 8 years ago when Prof. Hanoch Kashtan, along with his son and surgical nurse Israel Yizhak (Beilinson Hospital), visited Ethiopia during a trip. Their encounter with a local hospital sparked the inception of this effort. Led by Prof. Kashtan, Head of the Department of Surgery at Samson Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, and Prof. Bruria Adini, Head of the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine at Tel Aviv University, the initiative focuses on enhancing laparoscopic surgical skills and exploring resilience among healthcare professionals. Over the years, this voluntary personal project has evolved and made a significant impact, with experts joining the missions several times a year. In partnership with Bahir Dar University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the initiative continues to improve surgical practice and professional well-being.
The SeReNe initiative, led by Prof. Hanoch Kashtan, Head of the Department of Surgery at Samson Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, and Prof. Bruria Adini, Head of the Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine at Tel Aviv University, is a voluntary effort dedicated to enhancing laparoscopic surgical skills and investigating resilience among healthcare professionals. In collaboration with Bahir Dar University College of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ethiopia, the initiative addresses key aspects of surgical practice and professional well-being.
Key Areas of Focus:
-
Laparoscopic Skills Development: This initiative prioritizes the advancement of laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical techniques. Through voluntary training programs, world-renowned professionals offer hands-on instruction to surgeons, focusing on the latest innovations in minimal access surgery. The goal is to enhance procedural precision, shorten patient recovery times, and improve overall surgical outcomes.
-
Addressing Resource Constraints: We focus on training local teams and engaging with potential partners to support communities with limited resources. Our efforts include developing tailored training programs and fostering collaborations to address challenges such as inadequate diagnostic tools, treatment facilities, and healthcare professional shortages in resource-constrained settings.
-
Resilience Research: The SeReNe initiative also conducts research on burnout and resilience among healthcare professionals, particularly in resource-limited settings. The research examines the impact of emotional and professional stress on healthcare workers and develops strategies to strengthen their resilience. This is essential for sustaining high-quality care and enhancing job satisfaction.
Operating through collaborative efforts, the SeReNe initiative blends practical training with evidence-based research to support a more skilled and resilient medical community.
