[RHEUMATOLOGY IN ISRAEL - THE PLATINUM ERA]

For years patients with rheumatic diseases were managed by internists, orthopedics and rehabilitation clinics. The first rheumatology clinic in Israel was opened in 1965. The founders of rheumatology were rheumatologists who were trained in Europe and North America. Only in 1988, rheumatology was recognized as a subspecialty of internal medicine, and in 2012 pediatric rheumatology was recognized as a separate sub-specialty. There are 166 certified rheumatologists in Israel who are members of the Israeli Society of Rheumatology (ISR). The goal of the ISR is to provide an organized platform for education and scientific exchange in rheumatology through the provision of high quality education for all health care providers in the field of rheumatology, bi-annual scientific meetings dedicated to the advancement of clinical and basic science research, and the promotion of best clinical practice in the delivery of care for patients with rheumatologic disorders. In addition, the ISR promotes the introduction of new drugs and technologies, representing the rheumatology patients' best interests as well as collaboration with rheumatology patients' advocacy groups.