Building a Medical Coalition for ME/CFS & Long COVID

Roni Hacohen | Dr. Orit Gourgy-Hacohen | Lotem Artzi | Adi Shlomi | Adi Tikotsky

Project Goal:

Training a specialist physician and forming a medical coalition for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID.

Project Overview:

ME/CFS is a severe, chronic, multi-system illness that significantly impairs daily life. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, and since over 40% of Long COVID patients meet the criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), the number of affected individuals has surged. These conditions remain underdiagnosed and misunderstood within the medical community, leading to delayed treatment and misdiagnosis. Women make up 75% of patients.

This project aims to expand medical expertise by:

• Training a physician at the Bateman Horne Center (Utah, USA), a world leader in post-viral illness research and treatment. The training includes remote mentorship in 2024 and a two-week on-site residency in early 2025.

• Establishing a clinical-research forum for ME/CFS and Long COVID, bringing together doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals to increase awareness, foster a medical community, and promote research. The forum will launch with three online sessions covering the latest clinical and scientific advancements.

This initiative will bridge critical knowledge gaps, ensuring better diagnosis, treatment, and patient support in Israel.