Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Michael Shapira
36 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
The total cost of myeloma treatment in Israel is determined by the specific treatment plan. Initial diagnostics are priced at $800, while cart treatment for myeloma ranges from $80,000 to $120,000.The treatment program is tailored following the doctor"s individual assessment of each patient.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Therapeutic Apheresis | ≈ $1,400 | from $4,500 | ≈ $1,800 |
| Plasmapheresis | ≈ $1,800 | from $3,200 | ≈ $2,000 |
| Plasma Exchange | ≈ $4,500 | ≈ $3,900 | ≈ $3,800 |
| DFPP Plasmapheresis | ≈ $1,800 | ≈ $1,900 | ≈ $1,400 |
Professor Ron Ram practices at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Israel's largest university hospital.
Dr. El Hasid has conducted over 300 bone marrow and cord blood transplants for children. She leads the Pediatric Oncohematology and Oncology Department at Dana Dwek Children's Hospital.
Dr. Ron Ram has performed several hundred stem cell transplants at Sourasky Medical Center – a key procedure for treating Myeloma.
Dr. Amos Toren is a pediatric hemato-oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. He served as Director of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Division. Dr. Toren holds a PhD in Human Genetics. He specializes in CAR T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation for children. Forbes Israel has recognized his expertise in hematology.
Israel offers advanced multiple myeloma treatments including in-house developed CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and complex stem cell transplants. Facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah provide personalized precision medicine. These programs utilize genetic profiling to tailor targeted drug protocols for refractory cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky and Sheba are unique because they perform both pediatric and adult bone marrow transplants at massive scale. Dr. Fredi Aviv has practiced at Sourasky for over 30 years, while Sheba serves nearly 2 million patients annually. This high volume allows doctors to manage complex side effects from aggressive daratumumab combinations more effectively than smaller regional centers.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that access to tandem transplants is often faster in Israel than in the US. Many suggest prioritizing bispecific antibodies over CAR-T if you have limited mobility, as the administration process is simpler.
Israeli clinics achieve CAR-T therapy success rates between 70% and 90% for various blood cancers. Medical centers like Sheba and Hadassah report a 90% overall response rate for multiple myeloma. These results frequently exceed global averages due to advanced in-house cell manufacturing and early clinical adoption.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sheba Medical Center offer a distinct advantage through point-of-care manufacturing. While commercial labs usually take 3 to 4 weeks, Sheba's in-house facility delivers cells in roughly 10 days. This speed prevents disease progression during the waiting period. Advanced specialists like Dr. Abraham Avigdor and Dr. Avichai Shimoni lead these high-volume programs with over 30 years of experience.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while deep remissions are common, it is vital to discuss long-term durability with the medical team. People often emphasize that the faster cell processing in Israel provides significant peace of mind during the critical treatment window.
Israel boasts internationally recognized myeloma specialists at JCI-accredited institutions like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center. These experts include Prof. Avichai Shimoni and Dr. Hila Magen, both leading figures in immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation for plasma cell disorders.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers demonstrate high-volume expertise, with Sourasky Medical Center serving 1.8 million patients and maintaining a 90% success rate. Experts like Dr. Hila Magen and Dr. Abraham Avigdor have over 30 years of experience. This deep specialization is why many specialists are listed among Forbes' Top Doctors.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the value of specialists who participate in international clinical trials. Many seek out physicians like Prof. Michael Shapira for personalized bone marrow transplant protocols.
Israel offers numerous clinical trials for relapsed and high-risk myeloma patients. Major centers utilize advanced CAR T-cell therapies and bispecific antibodies. These trials provide access to innovative treatments for those not responding to standard care. Facilities like Sheba Medical Center are global leaders in immunotherapy research.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky and Sheba have massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,800,000 yearly. This high throughput accelerates trial enrollment and data collection. Patients benefit from a 90% success rate in general oncology at specialized Tel Aviv facilities. Clinicians often combine research with practical care, as seen by their rankings in the global top 10 for consecutive years.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the direct access to Nobel-prize-winning expertise and latest CAR-T protocols. Many emphasize that coordinate Care in Israel feels exceptionally personalized despite the massive size of the hospitals.
Myeloma treatment in Israel typically requires a stay of 1 to 8 weeks depending on the protocol. Diagnostics usually conclude within 5 days. Complex therapies like CAR-T cell infusion require intensive monitoring for approximately 8 weeks. Standard chemo-immunotherapy cycles often allow patients to return home between sessions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky or Sheba often fast-track international cases to avoid local wait times. While residents may wait significantly longer for elective care, international patients typically begin specialized diagnostics immediately upon arrival. This efficiency is critical for myeloma patients who require rapid intervention after a diagnosis is confirmed.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that staying in a nearby hotel rather than the hospital for follow-up days makes the recovery process much more comfortable and less stressful.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.