Professor Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
Professor Mechoulam was born in Bulgaria (1930), where he studied chemical engineering. After immigrating to Israel he received his MSc in biochemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and his PhD. at the Weizmann Institute and completed his postdoctoral studies at the Rockefeller Institute in New York. In 1960 he joined the junior staff of the Weizmann Institute, and in 1985 he became a professor at the Hebrew University.
Cannabidiol (CBD) discovered in 1930 by Roger Adams is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC). CBD has been used to treat inflammation and auto-immune conditions
Mechoulam was possibly the most significant academic to shed light on the active principles of the cannabis plant back in the 1960s, when his work at the Weizmann Institute led to the discovery of the human endo-cannabinoid system, giving him the title the “Godfather of cannabis research”. In a recent Global Health Talk with Michael Lesner, Professor Mechoulam reflects on his lifelong work in cannabis research.
In 2020, Professor Raphael Mechoulam was awarded the Harvey Prize for his ground-breaking research in the world of medicinal cannabis. His studies in this field have given the world a new perspective on cannabis as a healing plant, rather than just a recreational drug. Over the years, the Harvey Prize has become a reliable predictor of the famous Noble Prize. Since 1986, more than 30% of Harvey laureates were ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize.
In this Global Health Talks episode, Professor Mechoulam talks about CBD being used to treat multiple disease states in high doses, although not accepted by many as a recognised drug. The drug however has been included in clinical trials for use on epilepsy participants, a journey of 35 years
Through his research work, Professor Mechoulam Cannabis has found other compounds that show potential for clinical treatment, including anxiety. Medical cannabis in Israel has been available with varying levels of CBD and THC, though in there has been limited dispensing of medical cannabis in countries such as the UK. Compounds in the human body that ‘simulate’ effects of THC and CBD require more detailed investigation. Mechoulam argues, cannabis may not be used to target one particular disease state alone, but more generally.
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Global effort to reduce postoperative infection risk
Infection rates following surgical procedure vary across countries, however the causes and the ranges of variation are not well understood.
The causes of the infections are not as high as would be assumed on the surgical procedure, but co-morbidity and lifestyle choices including alcohol consumption may exacerbate risk. As Dr Edmiston states, there are a myriad of causes, and funding is limited in many countries. However there are some solutions, where goals, performance tracking against the goals and better communication is needed.
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Veteran wellbeing in civilian life
In an informal talk with Global Health Talks host Mike Lesner, himself a former US Marine, Nicci talks on the purpose of AIMS being an information-sharing network for all those who serve and support the military and veteran community.
Access to services is important consideration for Veteran wellbeing and AIMS develops a user-friendly membership infrastructure where members can network; research and information can be curated and archived; Service members, Veterans, Families, and caregivers can easily access services.
Another of the important roles that AIMS serves is to enhance partnership with VA and government services to increase efficiency and fill gaps.
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Technology to reach global health equity
Dr Terry Knapp, MD as a plastic and reconstructive plastic surgeon, has given back to medicine and global health through over 35 overseas trips as a volunteer surgeon. He is also an inventor with 16 medical device and technology patents to his name. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to founding 6 successful companies, leading to today being the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of CareSpan Health.
Health equity, in technology driven health care delivery, is determined by access to the clinician, specifically communications medical technology. CareSpan Health developed an integrated digital care ecosystem. The architecture of which became, Clinic in the Cloud.
