Whether it’s artificial intelligence, computational biology or medical engineering, the worlds of medicine and science are facing a whole series of revolutions. In an attempt to address these emerging challenges, the Weizmann Institute of Science has developed a unique program to train the next generation of physician-scientists. This innovative study program has now been approved by Israel’s Council for Higher Education, and the Miriam and Aaron Gutwirth Medical School is expected to open its doors in October 2025.
By its very nature, the world of science is advancing at a faster pace than the world of medicine. The initiative to establish the new program was born out of a pressing need to bridge the gap between today’s science and tomorrow’s medicine. The program’s innovative approach will be to unify and intertwine its clinical and research components. The study groups will be small, and most of the time will be devoted to practice and research rather than to theoretical lectures. The multidisciplinary nature of Weizmann research will allow students to specialize not only in the life sciences but also in physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science, while having access to the most advanced scientific infrastructure in the world. In parallel with conducting research at Weizmann, students will undergo clinical training at leading medical centers in Israel, including the Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Rambam Health Care Campus and Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital, as well as hospitals run by the Clalit Group.
The program is expected to annually enroll up to 40 Israeli students possessing undergraduate or graduate degrees, who upon completion of their training will be eligible for a dual degree: a doctorate in medicine and a doctorate in research (MD-PhD). Registration is now open and, as in other study programs at the Weizmann Institute, no tuition fees will be charged and all students will be eligible for a scholarship.
“There is a growing need for physicians who have an in-depth understanding of basic and applied science, and have the tools and ability to translate scientific discoveries into new, improved medical treatments,” say Prof. Ayelet Erez and Prof. Liran Shlush – both heads of research groups at the Weizmann Institute and practicing physicians, who will lead the program on behalf of the Weizmann Institute. “The vision is to create a new generation of physician-scientists who are leaders in medicine and biomedical research. These will be professionals who are able to identify urgent clinical challenges, offer patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, and design and conduct innovative research that will lead to groundbreaking therapies – all with the aim of promoting public health and improving the quality of life of patients. Our physician-scientists will learn to delve deeper into problems and find creative solutions, while looking at medicine comprehensively – from identifying changes in large patient populations to the level of a single molecule in a specific patient.”
“”From broad population trends to single molecules, our physician-scientists will tackle medical challenges with depth and creativity”
Prof. Erez and Prof. Shlush are joined by Prof. Iris Barshack and Prof. Asaf Vivante from Sheba Medical Center; Prof. Dina Ben-Yehuda from Hadassah Medical Center; and Prof. Amir Shlomai from Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson, part of the Clalit Group, who will serve as senior management team members.
The training of new physician-scientists is expected to provide a significant and unique boost to Israel’s public health system. Supplying Israeli hospitals with highly qualified personnel whose broad training includes both science and medicine will promote biomedical research and its application in Israel and bring the most cutting-edge, innovative treatments to patients.
“Educating and training the next generation of physician-scientists reflects the vision of the Weizmann Institute of Science to harness the power of science for humanity’s benefit,” says Weizmann Institute President Prof. Alon Chen. “The physician-scientist is expected to solve problems for patients and health care systems by challenging conventions and using scientific tools and research thinking. The medical studies program at the Weizmann Institute will significantly contribute to the precision medicine revolution in Israel. By leveraging our capabilities and resources, we will place the pioneers of future science at the service of the country’s health system, academia and biomedical industry.”