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SickKids Foundation recently announced a $2-million gift from Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman, which established the Schwartz-Reisman SickKids Exchange Program with Israel.

The partnership will increase the amount of Israeli paediatric specialists training at SickKids each year, enhancing the overall clinical and scientific exchange internationally. Each year, more than 300 international fellows from 48 different countries train at the hospital. Up to ten fellows will be named Schwartz-Reisman Fellows annually over the course of the five-year agreement - with the most outstanding applicants receiving funding for 50 per cent of their salaries.

“This gift to SickKids Foundation marks the beginning of an important international partnership, with the intention of creating a cadre of world-class physicians specializing in children’s health,” said Michael O’Mahoney, President, SickKids Foundation. “This much-needed funding comes at a time when it is imperative for us to support programs that can influence children’s health on the world stage.”

Future plans include The Schwartz-Reisman Visiting Israeli Scholars, a program that will allow previous Israeli fellows to return to SickKids for additional training and collaboration with their peers. As well, funds may be granted to “observers” and paediatric health-care practitioners who may benefit from visiting a particular division or department of the hospital.  Particular consideration will be given to Israeli paediatric nurses.