(Courtesy of Sheba Medical Center) Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, announced that it is the first institution outside of North America to join a network of specialized clinics accredited by the Chicago-based Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

Angelman syndrome is a rare, complex and often misdiagnosed neuro-genetic disorder affecting the nervous system. Occurring approximately once in every 15,000 live births, Angelman syndrome affects all populations equally, and there is no cure at this time. Symptoms of Angelman include developmental delay, seizures, inability to speak and problems with movement and balance.

Sheba Medical Center’s Angelman clinic, located within the Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, treats 85 patients in Israel, making it the fourth largest clinic of its kind in the world. The clinic was established by Sheba pediatric neurologist Dr. Gali Heimer in partnership with the Israeli Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Dr. Heimer takes a holistic approach to the treatment of the disease, offering patients access to an orthopedist, dietitian, psychiatrist, endocrinologist and adolescent specialist whenever the clinic is open.

In addition to helping Angelman patients and their families navigate the large challenges of the syndrome, such as seizures, Dr. Heimer and her team also help families cope with day-to-day concerns such as drooling and communication issues. Despite being located at the Children’s Hospital, the multidisciplinary clinic serves children, adolescents and adults.

“Because the medical professionals at Sheba’s Angelman clinic have so much experience treating the syndrome, their expertise in the country is unparalleled,” said Dr. Heimer. “Families travel from across Israel to come to our clinic. They can see all the experts they need on the same day. We offer comprehensive care to them each time and get to know each patient.”

To learn more about the Angelman syndrome clinic at Sheba Medical Center or to arrange an interview with Dr. Heimer, please contact Jodie Singer at [email protected] or 202-920-6284.