Faculty News

On December 8, 2024, Moti Sonnenfeld (pictured to left) visited the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. Moti Sonnenfeld is the founder of the Danielle Sonnenfeld Foundation, named after his daughter Danieli, who was tragically killed in a car accident some 10 years ago. Danieli Sonnenfeld had devoted two years to National Service, the first of which took place at the oncology department of the Schneider Children's Hospital in Petah Tikva. After an uplifting meeting with the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Orly Avni, a ceremony was held to award 10 scholarships to medical students. The ceremony was led by the Administrative Head of the Faculty, Noam David Reshelbach. During the ceremony, the donor became acquainted with the students, and they learned about him and his important work, which spans dozens of philanthropic projects. Each student received a certificate and a generous scholarship.

Approximately 523 million people worldwide suffered from some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and around 19 million deaths were attributed to these diseases (as of 2020), accounting for about 32% of all deaths globally.

Congratulations to Dr. Nir Qvit from the Faculty of Medicine for winning a prestigious research grant from the Israel Innovation Authority. The grant aims to develop an innovative treatment for heart diseases. Dr. Qvit, a renowned expert in the development of compounds that selectively inhibit biological processes, received the grant as part of the 2024 health and medicine call for proposals.

Dr. Qvit’s research identified a novel mechanism affecting mitochondrial division, which supplies energy for normal heart activity and under stress conditions. This discovery opens new directions for developing unique therapies designed to improve heart function and prevent further deterioration in patients’ conditions.

The project proposed by Dr. Qvit, in collaboration with Prof. Arie Lev Gruzman Bar-Ilan from the Department of Chemistry, focuses on developing a peptide-based therapy to protect heart tissue following myocardial injury. The research suggests an innovative approach to preventing damage to heart tissue.

The goal of the research is to provide a treatment that could serve as an effective tool for preventing and rehabilitating heart damage, ultimately reducing mortality from severe cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Qvit’s research proposal was selected from dozens of submissions and earned him a grant of over one million shekels.

Tissue engineering, AI applications, computational biology in oral microbiome research, head and neck cancer, and immunology of soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity—all these and more were the focus of a conference held last Friday by the Israeli Division of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR).

This year, the event, entitled "The Galilee Meeting," took place at the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Dental Medicine due to the current security situation.

The conference was attended by over 200 researchers, students, and clinicians from across the country, who presented groundbreaking research in the craniofacial and dental fields.

The IADR is a prestigious international organization with over 10,000 members worldwide, a leader in this field of research.

Prof. Orly Avni, Dean of the BIU Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, spoke, emphasizing the importance of combining excellence in the fields of oral, facial, and jaw research with the promotion of innovative treatments to improve patients' quality of life.

Prof. Samer Srouji, President of the Israeli Division of the IADR, head of the Galilee College of Dental Sciences, and Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel, summarized the conference as a remarkable success. He highlighted the achievements of the students who presented at the event, noting that two of them will represent Israel at the international IADR conference in Barcelona next year.

The Galilee College of Dental Sciences, affiliated with Bar-Ilan University, has become a leading research center in northern Israel. It trains dental professionals in all specialty tracks recognized by the Scientific Council of the Israeli Dental Association.

How do we train excellent doctors to become outstanding teachers?

Our medical students undergo an in-depth process to develop communication skills with patients, conduct medical histories, perform physical examinations, and engage in clinical thinking—all before encountering real patients.

The HILA course (Professional Foundations for the Future Doctor), a required course given to students early on in their academic years, ensures training in a safe and supervised environment. It provides students with a solid foundation to face the challenges of medicine.

To guarantee that students receive the best possible training, the Faculty held a unique retreat this week for HILA course instructors and coordinators. The aim was to strengthen their teaching skills, deepen their knowledge in medical education, and foster teamwork within our leading instructional staff.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated team of 35 instructors and coordinators who are part of our commitment to excellence in medical education. Together, we will continue to train the next generation of doctors in the Galilee!

In these challenging times, 13% of our Faculty of Medicine students are currently serving in active reserve duty—a remarkable contribution that exceeds the university-wide average of 9% at Bar-Ilan University

Their unwavering dedication, both to their medical studies and to the defense of our country, is a source of immense pride and inspiration.

In the photos: Yoad, Hila, Nofar, and Chai—our shining examples of resilience and commitment.

Shani Lubovsky (25), originally from the U.S., and Shir Kadosh (27), from Kfar Yona, have been together for six years. They met during their military service - he, a combat soldier, and she, an infantry instructor - and they immediately clicked.

After completing their service, they traveled together, and one thing was clear: they both wanted to study medicine. And they wanted to do it together.

Their journey to fulfilling this dream to become doctors began with an international program in the Czech Republic, where they studied for three years. “Shir hopes to become a surgeon, and I’m still figuring it out,” Shani shares. But after the events of October 7, there was no doubt - they were coming back home. In the midst of it all, Shir was called up for reserve duty, where he continues to serve on and off.

Today, they are students at the Faculty of Medicine in Safed, in the three-year program designed for students who began their medical studies abroad. Just two weeks ago, they moved into their new apartment in Safed. “Moving to Safed was the right choice for us,” says Shani. “The area is stunning, the atmosphere at the Faculty is warm and welcoming, and it’s great to study alongside people who understand the journey we’ve been through.”

And what’s next? This summer, after six years together, they’ll embark on a new adventure - this time, as a married couple.

A moment of pride, yet again: Prof. Omry Koren has been selected to the Clarivate for Academia & Government list "Most Frequently Cited Researchers" in the world - for the seventh year in a row!

Prof. Omry Koren, head of the Microbiome Research Laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, is one of the most cited researchers in the world, an extraordinary achievement that places him at the forefront of global science - for the seventh year in a row.

The selection of the prestigious list includes researchers whose scientific articles are ranked in the top 1% in terms of the number of citations in their field and their year of publication, according to the international database Web of Science™. This figure reflects a huge and wide influence in the international scientific community. Only 1 out of 1,000 researchers worldwide qualify for this list, which makes Prof. Koren's achievement even more impressive. The selection is based not only on citation data, but also on qualitative assessment and broad recognition of the scientific community.

By the year 2040, it is anticipated that in Israel nearly one million people will have diabetes.

In the northern periphery of the country, today, the diabetes of 15% of the patients is not under control. In fact, the Galilee sees the highest rate of diabetes from among all geographic locations in Israel, with the North leading both in diabetes incidence as well as mortality from complications. There are 66 diabetes cases per 1,000 people.

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month we are excited to share with you some details on major steps currently taking place in the Galilee to combat diabetes, thanks to The Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine - a groundbreaking model aimed at reducing disparities in diabetes care.

Since its establishment three years ago, the SPHERE has driven transformative changes in the Galilee's health landscape - over 60 projects, 30 research grants awarded to local researchers, and collaborations with 23 municipalities representing 660,000 residents — all focused on narrowing health gaps and reducing diabetes and obesity rates.

The SPHERE model integrates scientific expertise and research support, targeting the most complex areas to create lasting health improvements for Galilee residents.

This Diabetes Awareness Month, we at the Faculty of Medicine are proud to be part of the fight against diabetes — for a healthier future for the North and all of Israel.

Photo: Inauguration of the SPHERE mobile testing unit
Photo credit: Nir Shmul

Dr. Alon Barash, a distinguished reservist and Head of the Anatomy Studies and Biological Anthropology Laboratory at our Faculty, has been recognized for his extraordinary contributions.

A Captain in the Reserves, Dr. Barash has been serving in the military’s Missing Persons and Casualty Identification Unit since October 7, 2023. This week, he received a special commendation from the IDF for his invaluable service and the sensitive, complex nature of his work.

Dr. Barash plays a crucial role in complex identification processes during mass casualty incidents and other critical cases. His 25 years of teaching and research in anatomy and anthropology have provided him with the expertise needed to ensure accurate and respectful identification of IDF casualties.

In the photo: Dr. Alon Barash (center) with his commanders, receiving the commendation.

In honor of World Diabetes Day, we'd like to share with you new discoveries in diabetes research taking place at the Faculty of Medicine.

Recently, a paper was published on current research being carried out at the Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine and Diabetes, led by Dr. Ron Piran. In collaboration with Dr. Gal Reches, this study revealed a method to protect beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production, and even stimulate their regeneration. The research examined the role of the Par2 receptor in the development of Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It was found that when Par2 is active in the immune system, it accelerates the destruction of beta cells. However, when it is active within the beta cells themselves, it protects them from destruction and promotes their regeneration.

These findings suggest a new therapeutic approach for Type 1 diabetes—suppressing the receptor’s activity in the immune system while activating it in beta cells. The study paves the way for personalized treatments for autoimmune diseases.

The research was funded by the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed. SPHERE aims to reduce diabetes rates in northern Israel in particular and the country in general.

The Faculty of Medicine is strengthening its commitment to professional growth and personal development for graduate students through initiatives that bridge the gap between technical training and professional success. This semester marks the launch of two major initiatives aimed at providing students with essential tools for a successful academic and scientific career.

A new course, "Professional Skills: How to Navigate and Thrive in Academia," led by Dr. Liron Rozenkrantz, focuses on the "soft skills" needed for success in academia—skills that are often not formally taught. Drawing from her experience with similar courses at MIT and the Weizmann Institute of Science, Dr. Rozenkrantz creates a supportive and welcoming environment where graduate students can tackle academia's unspoken expectations while gaining practical tools for effective scientific communication, networking, leadership, and balancing career with personal life. Additionally, the course addresses sensitive issues that are relevant in academia (and any ambitious career), including imposter syndrome, conflict management, burnout, and more.

Complementing this hands-on training, Faculty member Dr. Nir Qvit has authored The Ultimate Student's Guide to Scientific Research (Routledge, 2024), an in-depth roadmap for a scientific career. The book, based on extensive academic experience, covers key topics like research design, securing funding, lab management, and career development. This guide focuses on critical decision points in a scientific career and offers practical guidance for both traditional and alternative career paths in science.

Congratulations to Prof. Samer Srouji on his appointment as a full professor!

Prof. Srouji, an expert in oral and maxillofacial surgery, has an impressive record in both the medical and academic fields. He graduated with honors from the Hebrew University in dentistry and specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Rambam Medical Center. He also conducted research at the Technion, and in 2017 was appointed Associate Professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine.

Prof. Srouji founded the Department of Oral, Facial, and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel and established advanced laboratories, including a 3D printing lab and a tissue engineering lab - leaders in their field in Israel. He has developed innovative methods for tissue and bone reconstruction.

Prof. Srouji carries out research in tissue engineering and clinical research in reconstructive surgery and facial trauma. He has published groundbreaking studies on tissue regeneration, including the integration of stem cells and nano-material scaffolds for bone healing, gaining international recognition as a leading expert and he is a sought-after speaker at international conferences. In addition, he has led collaborations with international research institutions and founded the Galilee College of Dental Sciences, Israel's third-largest institution for dental specialization. He holds patents in his name and has received competitive research grants totaling over one million dollars.

Prof. Srouji teaches medical students as part of their clinical rounds in the ENT and Oral & Maxillofacial departments. His department was recognized as an Outstanding Teaching Department in 2019. In particular, he teaches a unique medical 3D course - Introduction to Tissue Regeneration and 3D Printing, an innovative course for medical studies in Israel.

Congratulations to Prof. Alexander Lerner upon receipt of the Minister of Aliyah and Integration Prize today at the residence of President Isaac Herzog, awarded to immigrants who have made a significant contribution to Israeli society and the State.

Prof. Lerner is a world-renowned expert in orthopedic trauma of the limbs. He serves as a full clinical professor at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine and is recognized for his contributions as an outstanding lecturer over many years at both the Technion and at Bar-Ilan University. He was the head of the department of orthopedics at Ziv Medical Center, where he continues to work as a senior physician even after his official retirement in 2021.

Prof. Lerner is considered a leading figure in orthopedic surgery in Israel and worldwide, particularly when it comes to treating severe limb trauma. He lectures and shares his expertise at international conferences worldwide and has published more than 80 scientific articles. Through his research, he has developed innovative methods for treating complex fractures and saving injured limbs, and he has edited four medical textbooks. Due to his unique contributions, he serves as an orthopedic consultant to the IDF Medical Corps.

The Dean, Prof. Orly Avni, adds that since the outbreak of the “Iron Swords” war, Prof. Lerner has been volunteering to help IDF soldiers, to save severely injured limbs and prevent amputations, restoring soldiers' ability to stand and walk. He performs surgeries, provides surgical care, and offers consultations at medical centers across the country, including Barzilai, Soroka, Rambam, and Ziv Medical Centers, helping in every way possible to treat severe injuries of IDF soldiers. He also holds seminars and provides phone consultations for doctors seeking his advice in complex cases. Prof. Avni: "We are especially proud of Prof. Lerner, a world-renowned expert and an outstanding lecturer - who has done so much since the beginning of the war to treat IDF soldiers."

Pictured here: Prof. Lerner after receiving the award from President Isaac Herzog and Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer, joined by Prof. Orly Avni, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Salman S. Zarka, Director of Ziv Medical Center.

Dr. Keren Agay-Shay, from the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee at Bar-Ilan University, was one of the keynote speakers at the AFIK in Academia - Israeli Women Professors Forum conference, held on October 28, 2024. AFIK in Academia - Israeli Women Professors Forum was established to promote gender equality in the number of female researchers in academic faculties and their representation in key positions at research universities in Israel.

Dr. Agay-Shay, an expert in environmental epidemiology, delivered a lecture on environmental impacts on women's health. She focused on specific exposures unique to women and their potential effects on health, presenting information on the impact of climate change and air pollution on women.

A central theme of her lecture was the gaps in knowledge. "Many studies in medicine in general, and in environmental epidemiology in particular, do not examine differences between men and women. We still lack sufficient understanding of the diverse environmental impacts on women, and there is much more to investigate in this field."

The lecture also reviewed the disparities in funding for research on diseases predominantly affecting women compared to male-associated diseases, as well as knowledge gaps in these areas. "I find it quite astonishing that only in 1993 was a guideline issued mandating the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research. This means that some drugs reached the market without having been tested on women. Additionally, I was shocked to learn that only ten years ago did the NIH issue a mandatory guideline that every preclinical study on animals and tissues must include both male and female samples."

Prof. Michael Edelstein is a world-renowned expert in public health and infectious disease epidemiology. He began his academic career studying medicine at the University of Birmingham, UK, graduating in 2006. He later earned a master's degree in public health from LSHTM in London and completed a specialty in infectious disease epidemiology at the ECDC in Stockholm, Sweden.

From 2016 to 2020, he was one of the leading physicians of the UK's national vaccination program, combining operational research to optimize and make vaccines accessible to all populations. Upon his Aliyah to Israel in 2020, he joined the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee.

To date, Prof. Edelstein has published over 100 academic papers and integrates research and policy in his work. He collaborates with health ministries in Israel and worldwide to promote vaccination programs and address public health challenges during an age of misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team were among the first to demonstrate the protective effect of hybrid immunity and the benefits of vaccines against long-term COVID-19 symptoms. His COVID-19 research focuses on the pandemic's impact on the economy, child health and allergies, and crisis management in Israel’s healthcare system.

Prof. Edelstein's research also focuses on promoting vaccinations and reducing vaccination inequality, employing innovative health data, including qualitative methods. As an example, he uses models that integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict the spread of infectious diseases.