Ariel University to Launch Six-Year Medical Program, Expanding Doctor Training
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Ariel University in Israel has been approved to launch a new six-year medical program, admitting 80 students per year, and a master's degree for Physician Associates. These initiatives aim to expand medical training and address physician shortages in the country.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ariel University will offer a new six-year medical program.
- Eighty students will be admitted to the program each year.
- A master's degree for Physician Associates was also approved.
- The initiatives aim to increase the number of doctors in Israel.
- The programs are intended to address healthcare workforce shortages.
The Council for Higher Education in Israel has approved the opening of a six-year medical program at Ariel University, set to admit 80 students per cohort. This decision follows a review by a professional committee and recommendations from a subcommittee on technology, engineering, science, and paramedical fields. The new program joins other recent expansions in medical education, including new faculties at the Weizmann Institute, Reichman University, and the University of Haifa.
The expansion is expected to increase the total number of medical students in Israel to 1,446 in the upcoming academic year, a significant rise from 800 just five years ago. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for physicians in Israel's healthcare system and increase the pool of graduates available to practice medicine domestically.
In addition to the six-year program, Ariel University also received approval for a master's degree program for "Physician Associates," a new role designed to support the healthcare workforce. This program, established following a 2024 amendment to the Health Professions Act, will equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to work alongside specialist physicians, performing medical tasks within defined scopes of practice.
Maya Logasi-Ben Hamo, Director-General of the Council for Higher Education, emphasized the national importance of these programs in ensuring a quality medical workforce for Israel's future healthcare needs. She highlighted the academic community's responsibility in this mission and noted that the Physician Associate program represents an innovative approach to meeting the system's evolving requirements.
Ariel University President Prof. Ehud Grossman and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Iris Barshak both hailed the approvals as significant milestones. They stressed the university's commitment to national service through medical education and expressed confidence in Ariel University's academic standards. Prof. Barshak also mentioned the collaboration with the Sheba Medical Center in developing these new programs.
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