IKEM – Acronym for saving life
Czechs use the acronym “IKEM” very often. However, not everybody would be able to explain what the acronym actually stands for. Anyway, they all would probably get to the same point – it is the place where physicians save the lives of people, who are seriously ill, the X1 Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine X1.
IKEM entered the consciousness of the Czech general public primarily as a hospital which is specialised in organ transplants. However, its scope of competences is much broader. This outstanding scientific and research centre is focused on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetology and treatment of metabolic disorders as well. For over 40 years the institute has provided its healthcare services to patients, during which time the centre has placed huge effort into putting the latest scientific knowledge into practice. In the 2000 – 2010 period there were, among others, 416 heart transplants, 641 liver transplants and 2,021 kidney transplants.
IKEM physicians are recognised for their work both in the Czech Republic and abroad. For example, the American Diabetes Association awarded one of the physicians, Dr. Michal Dubský, for treatment of diabetic foot (insufficient blood circulation, sensitivity and healing) by means of patient stem cell transplantation. Using this method, physicians were able to save patients from foot amputation.