Kaplan Hospital Cardiological Training Faces Suspension Over False Certification Allegations

Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot, part of the Clalit Health Services network, is embroiled in a serious scandal involving allegations that doctors were certified based on false training records. The revelations, first reported by Channel 13 News on August 22, 2023, originated from a complaint by a medical resident and led the Israeli Medical Association's Scientific Council to recommend revoking recognition of Kaplan's cardiology department as a training center while Professor Kobi George remains its head.

An investigative committee appointed by the Scientific Council found that a longstanding practice of falsifying residency logs had deprived cardiology residents in the combined internal medicine and cardiology track of proper clinical training. The council's August 12 meeting minutes harshly criticized Professor George for perpetuating a culture of false documentation, lack of proper supervision, and authoritarian management. The committee interviewed hospital leadership, department heads, and residents, all confirming the misconduct.

As a result, the council unanimously recommended suspending the cardiology department's accreditation until Professor George is removed and barred him from future leadership roles in training departments. Professor George denied the allegations, asserting that all residents received adequate clinical and theoretical training and that the council's recommendations were flawed and non-binding without Ministry of Health approval.

Additionally, Dr. Hafziba Green, head of Internal Medicine A, was downgraded to conditional recognition for six months and will require oversight on residency documentation for three years. A special committee led by Professor Shaul Yatziv will review the training of all residents affected to determine if they need to complete additional requirements.

The hospital administration faced severe criticism for supporting the false records, with the Scientific Council demanding a thorough internal review to prevent recurrence. Clalit Health Services CEO Professor Eitan Wirtheim ordered a dedicated committee led by Professor Ran Tor-Kaspá to oversee implementation of the council's recommendations. The Ministry of Health has been informed, and Clalit expressed regret over the incident, committing to corrective measures. The council praised the resident who exposed the issue and encouraged others to report similar irregularities.