Faculty
Dr. Ahmad Nama
Founder, AEMIS Academy
Head of Emergency Medicine Department, Judy & Sydney Swartz Center for Emergency Medicine, Hadassah University Hospital, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem
Dr. Ahmad Nama is the Head of Emergency Medicine at Hadassah University Hospital and a key figure in Israel’s emergency medicine community. A Steering Committee Member of the Israeli Association of Emergency Medicine (IAEM), he co-directs IAEM’s monthly ZOOM CME series, launched during COVID-19 to connect Israeli emergency physicians with global experts to foster global knowledge exchange. He completed a Clinical Fellowship in Emergency Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia (2018–2019). Dr. Nama co-coordinates Hadassah’s academic emergency medicine program and lectures at the National Israel Course in Emergency Medicine (NICEM). Recognized for his contributions, he has received multiple awards, including the NICEM Appreciation Certificate and Outstanding Employee Award (2020). His expertise includes emergency ultrasound, critical care, airway management, and peripheral nerve blocks. He is also a co-founder of the AEMIS Advanced Emergency Medicine Interventional Skills Course, a premier cadaver-based training program led by an esteemed international faculty, reflecting their passion for advancing these fields.
Dr. Jim Connolly
Co-Founder, AEMIS Academy
MBBS FRCS (Ed) FRCS (Glas) FCEM PGCert (Emergency US) CFEU, Emergency Department Great North Major Trauma Centre Newcastle-upon-Tyne UK
Since 2002, Dr. Jim Connolly has been working in the Great North Trauma and Emergency Care department, Newcastle-upon-Tyne—one of the UK’s largest trauma centers. Among the first UK ED Physicians to adopt Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), he recognized its potential to expedite critical diagnoses and enhance clinical skills, especially in resuscitation. He developed one of the first UK POCUS courses in 2001 and has directed and taught over 60 international courses, assisting in course development worldwide. He has published papers, co-authored books like “Ultrasound in Emergency Care,” chaired ultrasound sections in multiple organizations, and contributed to procedural courses in Emergency care. His belief in ultrasound’s ability to transform medical practice reflects his unwavering dedication, though some humorously call him obsessed!
Prof. PV Van Heerden
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Director, General Intensive Care Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Professor Peter Vermon Van Heerden’s career is multifaceted. He has built a strong legacy in the medical field, particularly in anesthesia and critical care, with international experience spanning South Africa, the UK, and Australia. Founding the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand is no small feat—it highlights his influence and dedication to advancing the field. Plus, with around 200 scientific publications under his belt, his contributions to medical research are substantial.
His expertise in managing difficult airways and teaching surgical airway techniques for over two decades also underscores his commitment to critical education and patient care.
Prof. Bala Miklosh
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Director of Trauma and Acute care Surgery Unit and Head of Department of General Surgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Prof. Bala Miklosh’s background in General Surgery, Trauma, and Surgical Critical Care demonstrates his extensive medical expertise. His active involvement with renowned organizations like the AAST, ESTES, and ISS places him in a global network of leaders in the field. The breadth of educational initiatives he spearheads, including ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support), DSTC (Definitive Surgical Trauma Care), Disaster Management, and Emergency Surgery, reflects his dedication to knowledge dissemination and preparedness—vital aspects of trauma care. His contributions as the former Chairman of the Israeli Emergency Surgery and Trauma Society further show his impact on shaping national strategies and protocols.
Dr. Tural Alekberli
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
MD, MSc (Associate Prof.)
Dr. Tural Alekberli is a highly skilled Anesthesiologist specializing in Regional Anesthesia, Pain Medicine, and Obstetric Anesthesia. He is a Staff Anesthesiologist at IWK Health Centre, NS Health, and an Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
He earned his medical degree from Ondokuz Mayis University, Turkey, and completed his Anesthesia residency at Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem. He further specialized through Fellowships in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine and Obstetric Anesthesia at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto.
Renowned for his expertise in nerve block techniques, Dr. Alekberli has made significant contributions to anesthesiology research, perioperative patient care, and medical education. With numerous awards and publications, he is a recognized leader in his field, advancing both clinical practice and academic excellence.
Dr. Anja Kéry- Candela, MD MMEc
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Anja Kery-Candela’s exceptional profile demonstrates her profound impact in the field of trauma care and education. With a robust foundation as an orthopedic surgeon, traumatologist, interventional pain therapist, and emergency physician, her dedication shines through her focus on advancing innovative practices, like REBOA (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta), and improving trauma management techniques such as surgical airway management and trauma ultrasound. Her passion for teaching, supported by her Master of Medical Education, highlights her commitment to shaping the future of medical professionals. Her efforts to foster skill development at all levels of training are as crucial as her clinical contributions, ensuring the next generation is well-prepared to tackle challenges in trauma care. By emphasizing international, interdisciplinary, and interpersonal collaboration, Dr. Kery-Candela exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to trauma care, mentorship, and innovation. Her work serves as an inspiring model of excellence and dedication in the medical field.
Dr. Najib Nasrallah
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Najib Nasrallah is a renowned leader in emergency medicine, serving as Director of the Emergency Department at Nazareth Hospital EMMS, one of the Middle East’s oldest and largest hospitals. He is also a senior physician in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at RAMBAM Health Care Campus. A passionate advocate for medical innovation, Dr. Nasrallah excels in advancing ultrasound applications in emergency care. As a key member of the Ultrasound Faculty at the European Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM), he fosters the integration of advanced ultrasound techniques. He also leads the Regional Advanced Point-of-Care Ultrasound International Congress in Nazareth, a premier platform for professionals to share insights on ultrasound technology. With his visionary leadership and dedication to education, Dr. Nasrallah is a respected figure driving progress in emergency medicine globally, particularly in the realm of ultrasound innovation.
Dr. Ashley Matthies FRCEM MSc
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Ashley Mathies is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Homerton Hospital, East London, with specialist interests in resuscitation, trauma, and point-of-care ultrasound. He holds an MSc in Ultrasound and serves on the Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) committees of both the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) and the European Society of Emergency Medicine (EUSEM). As a regional ultrasound lead for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), he oversees ultrasound training for trainees in emergency, acute, and intensive care medicine.
Dr. Mohan Koppuravuri MBBS, FRCEM
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Consultant in Emergency Medicine, American Hospital-Dubai
Dr. Mohan Koppuravuri is a distinguished Emergency Medicine specialist with over two decades of experience in high-acuity clinical settings, including major trauma centers. A graduate of the prestigious Osmania Medical College, India, he further honed his expertise through specialty training in the United Kingdom, where he earned his Fellowship from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM). Currently serving as an Emergency Medicine Physician at a state-of-the-art multi-specialty private hospital in Dubai, UAE, Dr. Koppuravuri brings a wealth of knowledge in managing complex emergencies and trauma cases. Beyond clinical practice, he is deeply passionate about medical education and collaborative learning, actively engaging in teaching, knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals, and initiatives aimed at advancing clinical excellence. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to improving emergency care standards through innovation, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Eleni Episkopou
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Eleni E. Episkopou is a leading consultant anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist, renowned for her expertise in advanced pain management and emergency medicine. Trained at top institutions including Athens’ National Trauma Hospital, Innsbruck Medical University, and UK centers, she holds prestigious certifications (FIPP, CIPS). With over 2,500 videolaryngoscopies performed since 2009, she excels in ultrasound-guided interventions and pioneered Greece’s first stellate ganglion cryoablation for refractory arrhythmias. A dedicated educator, Dr. Episkopou serves as faculty for the World Institute of Pain, authors medical textbooks, and directs life support training (ALS, ATLS, PHTLS). At Athens Metropolitan Hospital, she combines clinical innovation with academic leadership, advancing techniques in regional anesthesia and interventional pain medicine. Her multidisciplinary approach bridges critical care, trauma management, and cutting-edge pain therapies, establishing her as a key influencer in modern anesthesiology.
Dr. Elod Macsai
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Előd Mácsai is a distinguished cardiac anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist, currently serving as Deputy Head of Cardiovascular Anesthesia at the Hungarian Institute of Cardiology, Budapest. A University of Szeged graduate, he brings 13 years of UK experience as a Consultant Anaesthetist, specializing in regional anesthesia, trauma, and pain management. A pioneer in ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, he introduced Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) and Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) for minimally invasive cardiac surgery, advancing fast-track anesthesia protocols for enhanced recovery. His expertise spans cardiac, trauma, and perioperative pain control, blending Hungarian and British medical excellence. Passionate about innovation in anesthesia, Dr. Mácsai focuses on optimizing patient outcomes through cutting-edge techniques. His leadership in cardiovascular intensive care and contributions to regional anesthesia solidify his reputation as a key influencer in modern anesthesiology.
Dr. Debra Gershov West
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Director of the emergency department, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.
Dr. Debra Gershov West is a leading emergency medicine specialist in Israel, renowned for her contributions to medical education and disaster response. As Director of the Emergency Department at Assuta Ashdod, she oversees critical care delivery while driving innovation in emergency medicine. She founded the National Israel Graduate Course in Medical Education and the nonprofit Frontline Emergency Medicine, advancing physician training and emergency protocols. Her leadership extends to chairing an Israeli Medical Association initiative to redefine the role of emergency physicians, strengthening the field nationally. Currently, her research focuses on mass casualty preparedness, particularly lessons from the October 7th terrorist attack, aiming to refine emergency response strategies. Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and policy, shaping both Israeli and global emergency medicine standards. A visionary in her field, Dr. Gershov West combines frontline expertise with systemic reform to improve crisis healthcare delivery.
Dr. Venkat Kotamraju
MBBS, MRCSEd, PGdipMedTox, MAcadMed, CEDE, FEBEM, FRCE.
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Venkat Kotamraju is a distinguished Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Royal Derby Hospital, UK, with 20+ years of expertise. A leader in medical education, he serves as CESR Programme Director, RCEM Exam Training Lead, and ATLS Course Director. Holding fellowships from RCEM (UK) and the European Board, he is globally recognized for advancing emergency care. As Training Program Director (Exams) at Health Education East Midlands, he shapes future specialists. An acclaimed educator, he conducts MRCEM/FRCEM exam courses across the UK, UAE, and India and is a sought-after speaker at international conferences (USA, Kuwait, UAE, India). His credentials include PGDipMedTox, MAcadMed, and CEDE, reflecting his expertise in toxicology, trauma, and medical education. Dr. Kotamraju’s commitment to excellence in emergency medicine and training makes him a key influencer in the field.
Dr. Marije Bakker, MD, M.Sc.
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Marije Bakker is a skilled anesthesiologist at Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis in Delft, the Netherlands, with specialized expertise in regional anesthesia and acute pain management. She earned her medical degree and completed her anesthesia residency at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), followed by advanced pediatric anesthesia training at Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam. To further refine her skills, she pursued a fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management at Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, gaining extensive experience in advanced nerve block techniques. Dr. Bakker is particularly dedicated to education and improving patient care, having established a training program for Emergency Department physicians on peripheral nerve blocks to enhance acute pain management in trauma and emergency settings. Her combination of international training, clinical proficiency, and teaching initiatives makes her a valuable contributor to anesthesiology and multidisciplinary pain management.
Dr. Chris Yap
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Chris Yap, originally from Singapore, is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Northern General Hospital, a Major Trauma Centre in Sheffield. Passionate about point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), he got a Diploma in Medical Ultrasound from Teesside University and is dedicated to simplifying POCUS education. He has organized courses nationwide, spoken at international conferences, and serves as Chair of the POCUS Subcommittee for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. Additionally, he is a joint Medical Quality Lead in his local ED. Beyond medicine, Chris is an eager adventurer. He has snowboarded across the Alps, Pyrenees, Arctic Circle, and New Zealand, hoping one day to be noticed by a snowboarding brand. He also enjoys road and mountain biking, and his proudest non-medical achievement is surviving his attempts to learn surfing.
Dr. Joel Symons
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Joel Symons is indeed a well-known in the field of perioperative medicine. His work spans across education, clinical practice, and leadership roles. As an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and a staff specialist at the Alfred Hospital, he has made significant contributions to critical care and anesthesia. His expertise in fiberoptics intubation and managing difficult airways is highly regarded. Dr. Symons also plays a pivotal role at the Australian and New Zealand College of Anesthetists (ANZCA), where he serves as a Board Member and Chair of the Perioperative Medicine Content and Assessment Committee. His dedication to advancing perioperative medicine is further evident through his co-founding of the Monash Short Course and Master of Perioperative Medicine, which aim to enhance education in this emerging field. Additionally, his co-edited book, Perioperative Medicine for the Junior Clinician, serves as a valuable resource for medical professionals.
Dr. Rachel Liu, MBBChBAO FACEP.
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Rachel Liu is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Fellowship Director of Emergency Ultrasound, and Director of Point of Care Ultrasound Education for the Yale School of Medicine. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, she completed her EM residency at New York Medical College and an ultrasound fellowship at Yale. Her focus has been developing longitudinal ultrasound curricula for undergraduate medical students through use of innovative techniques and technology. She has been the chair of the Ultrasound Sections of several prominent American societies including the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (where she has been on the creation team of SonoGames© for over a decade) and the Society of Clinical Ultrasound Fellowships. She has also served on the Board of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Most recently, she was appointed to the American Board of Emergency Medicine’s inaugural examination committees for advanced emergency ultrasonography, creating initial and continuing certification examinations for fellowship graduates. She has authored numerous studies and this past year, been a senior editor for the Ultrasound Program Management book, 2nd edition.
Dr. Stéphane Ledot, MD
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Stéphane Ledot is a distinguished anesthesiologist and intensivist with extensive experience in critical care. He graduated from the School of Medicine in Paris and completed his residency in Anesthesia and Critical Care in Marseille. In 2011, he pursued a subspecialty in critical care at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. Dr. Ledot further advanced his expertise with a fellowship in ECMO, cardiac thoracic anesthesia, and critical care at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Foundation Trust in London. He earned European certification in perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (EACVI/EACTAIC). Dr. Ledot served as Senior Anesthetist and Intensivist at Royal Brompton Hospital, where he also led the ECMO program and adult critical care. In 2022, he returned to Israel to lead the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain at Hadassah Medical Center. He is currently an elected member of the Audit Committee for the Israeli Society of Anesthesia.
Dr. Mark Rezk
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Mark Rezk is a highly skilled anaesthetist specializing in trauma and regional anaesthesia. Currently in his 7th year of Specialty Training, he is furthering his expertise through a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London. Dr. Rezk holds an MBBS, BSc, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA). He has completed fellowships in trauma at King’s College Hospital and regional anaesthesia at St George’s Hospital, London. His commitment to teaching anaesthetic trainees has earned him a presidential commendation from the Royal College of Anaesthetists. With vast experience in high-pressure medical environments, Dr. Rezk is skilled in trauma management, advanced regional anaesthesia techniques, and cardiothoracic anaesthesia. His ongoing pursuit of specialized training highlights his dedication to providing exceptional care in complex trauma and acute pain management, making him an invaluable asset in critical care settings.
Dr. Siamak Bakhtiari
Faculty Member, AEMIS Academy
Dr. Siamak Bakhtiari is a UK Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Consultant with over 13 years of experience, specializing in trauma management, emergency ultrasound, and acute care for adults and children. He earned his medical degree in Tehran, Iran, before completing his specialty training in the Cambridge Deanery, UK, and obtaining his Fellowship from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM) in 2012. Dr. Bakhtiari spent seven years as an Emergency Medicine Consultant at London trauma center before relocating to the UAE in 2019. His expertise includes point-of-care ultrasound, critical injury management, and treating a wide range of medical and surgical emergencies.
