Doctor-pilot wins Bronfman Prize

An Israeli doctor, a former fighter pilot, was selected as the 2007 winner of the Charles Bronfman Prize. Dr. Amitai Ziv is the founder and director of the Israel Center for Medical Simulation, and deputy director of Sheba Medical Center. Ziv’s experience in the Israeli Air Force led him to adapt flight simulation training to medical training. Launched in 2001, the center became the first interdisciplinary, multi-modality of its kind. Today it serves as the model for training doctors and nurses in hospitals around the world. A goal of the center is to reduce the frequency of medical errors in the health system. To address the problem, Ziv created computer-enhanced mannequins that look, feel and react like humans.The $100,000 prize is marked for an individual or team younger than 50 whose work has contributed to improving the world. “Its goal is to bring public recognition to young, dynamic individuals whose Jewish values infuse their humanitarian accomplishments and provide inspiration to the next generations,” according to a press release announcing Ziv’s selection.