The Weizmann Institute of Science in Herzliya has announced the launch of a new School of Medicine that will offer training to 40 Israeli students per year. The program, set to open in October 2025, will provide students with both an MD (doctor of medicine) and PhD (doctor of research) degree upon completion.
Students will be involved in both research activities at the Weizmann Institute and clinical training at Sheba Medical Center and Ichilov Hospital. The curriculum will cover medicine, basic research, data science, and artificial intelligence. Two career paths are available for graduates: focusing on basic research and clinical needs or medical practice.
The Gutwirt Foundation has donated 400 million shekels to help establish the school and its curriculum. Enrollment is expected to begin at the end of 2024, with studies starting in October 2025. This initiative aims to train physician-researchers who can bring cutting-edge knowledge to hospitals and benefit countless individuals in Israel and beyond.
According to Prof. Alon Chen, president of the Weizmann Institute of Science, this program aims to train outstanding scientists and lead academic research both locally and globally. Professor Yitzhak Suari from the Gutwirt Foundation believes that the establishment of this new medical school will attract the best minds in Israel and improve healthcare for citizens. This initiative is seen as a way to grow the future generation of medicine in Israel and make a positive impact on society.
The Ministry of Health has been working for several years to increase the number of students studying medicine in Israel. Currently, medical studies are conducted at universities in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva, Haifa, Safed, Samaria, Reichman University in Herzliya, and Weizmann Institute.
To further expand access to quality medical education, inspection procedures have been initiated by the Council for Higher Education to approve the opening of medical studies at Reichman University in Herzliya.
This new school aims to prepare Israeli students for careers as physician-researchers who can contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare globally.
In conclusion, this new School of Medicine at the Weizmann Institute will bring significant benefits not only to Israel but also globally by training outstanding scientists who can contribute significantly to academic research and improve healthcare systems worldwide.
