Prof. Orly Avni has been elected to an additional term as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee

The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee congratulates its Dean, Prof. Orly Avni, on her re‑election to an additional term as head of the Faculty. Her reappointment reflects broad recognition of her leadership, academic vision, and deep commitment to advancing medicine, research, and medical education in the Galilee.

In recent years, under Prof. Avni’s leadership, the Faculty has continued to strengthen its position as a significant academic, medical, and social engine of growth in northern Israel. During her tenure, wide‑ranging initiatives have been advanced in the areas of teaching, research, faculty development, and the strengthening of ties between the Faculty, medical centers, the community, and the region as a whole.

Among the key achievements during her term are the establishment of nine new research centers, the launch of the six‑year MD program, the introduction of a Master’s program in Health Sciences, the development of promotion tracks for teaching physicians, and the expansion of medical education training courses for physicians, department heads, and mentors. In parallel, the Faculty secured major research grants totaling tens of millions of shekels, aimed at expanding research infrastructure, establishing new core facilities, and strengthening the Faculty’s scientific capabilities.

One of the most prominent developments in recent years is the launch of the six‑year MD program, which is based on the vision of the future physician: one who combines clinical excellence, a strong commitment to research, medical innovation, professional ethics, and a deep connection to the Galilee. This approach reflects the Faculty’s vision of training a new generation of physicians who view medicine not only as a clinical profession, but as a social, scientific, and human mission.

At the same time, additional strategic initiatives have been advanced, including the establishment of the new Medical Education Center, the creation of a relocation office to the Galilee aimed at encouraging the growth of the medical community in the north, and the organization of faculty retreats that strengthen cohesion, shared identity, and research-oriented thinking among faculty members and students.

Looking ahead, under Prof. Avni’s leadership, the Faculty will continue to advance a vision of academic excellence, medical innovation, and a deep commitment to the Galilee and its residents. Key objectives for the coming years include the construction of a new research building, the development of student villages, the expansion of the academic “colony” in the Galilee for teaching and research, increasing the number of medical students, improving the quality of clinical teaching in hospitals and community settings, recruiting outstanding faculty and students for research, advancing the establishment of a School of Pharmacy and a School of Public Health, developing multidisciplinary programs with other faculties at the University, and deepening the Faculty’s international collaborations in research and education.

Prof. Avni’s re‑election, which received broad support, reflects deep confidence in her leadership approach—one that combines vision, attentiveness, partnership, commitment, and dedication. Her guiding philosophy—that “the Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee is not merely an academic institution operating within a community, but rather a community that has a Faculty of Medicine”—continues to lead the Faculty forward.

The Faculty congratulates Prof. Avni and wishes her continued fruitful, meaningful, and inspiring work.