University of Haifa Opens School of Medicine to Strengthen Healthcare in Northern Israel

The University of Haifa is set to transform healthcare in northern Israel with the establishment of the Herta and Paul Amir School of Medicine. Approved by the Council for Higher Education, this new medical school will address Israel’s severe shortage of physicians, particularly in the northern regions, and is poised to open its doors to its inaugural class later this year.

The new school will focus on strengthening healthcare in the North through both education and clinical training at Carmel Hospital, a key healthcare facility in Haifa. One of the primary goals is to offer scholarships and implement initiatives aimed at retaining graduates as practicing doctors in the region. This is crucial as northern Israel continues to recover from the effects of the conflict with Hezbollah, which has displaced tens of thousands of residents.

Led by Prof. Haim Bitterman, a renowned leader in Israel’s healthcare system, the school will develop a curriculum centered on the unique needs of the region. It will collaborate closely with Carmel Medical Center and Clalit Health Services to provide practical experience for students, enhancing community care, and addressing pressing medical specialties required in northern Israel.

The Herta and Paul Amir School of Medicine is a direct response to Israel’s broader healthcare challenges, including an aging medical workforce and the country's reliance on foreign-trained physicians. With Israel’s medical schools operating at full capacity and a low number of graduates compared to other OECD countries, the establishment of the new medical school marks a historic milestone. The school will admit 64 students in its first academic year and plans to gradually expand its student intake.

University of Haifa President Prof. Gur Alroey highlighted the importance of this initiative, calling it both a strategic necessity and a moral imperative to improve healthcare for the residents of northern Israel. This project is particularly urgent following the events of October 7 and ongoing regional security threats.

The new school will feature a pioneering curriculum that emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge medical technologies such as telemedicine, AI-driven medical databases, and remote diagnostics. It will also prioritize community-based medicine, preparing students to address healthcare challenges outside of traditional hospital settings.

Through collaboration with the University’s Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, the medical school will offer students advanced simulation training, incorporating AI and virtual reality to provide realistic, immersive experiences. These technological tools will help future doctors prepare for the evolving landscape of 21st-century healthcare.

As a native of Haifa, Prof. Bitterman expressed pride in the establishment of the medical school, which will serve as a center of excellence and attract top minds in the field of medicine. Together with Carmel Medical Center and Clalit Health Services, the school aims to foster groundbreaking research and push the boundaries of medical knowledge and innovation.