Prof. Lior Katz Appointed Chair of Israeli Gastroenterology and Liver Association

Prof. Lior Katz, head of the Gastroenterology and Liver Division at Hadassah Medical Center, has been elected chair of the Israeli Association for Gastroenterology and Liver. In his new role, Katz will lead the professional body representing gastroenterologists and hepatologists across Israel, focusing on advancing the field, improving treatment quality, integrating innovative technologies, and enhancing collaboration between hospital and community physicians.

Katz brings extensive clinical, research, and managerial experience. He completed his medical studies at Hadassah and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, followed by internal medicine training at Beilinson Hospital and gastroenterology specialization at Sheba Medical Center with honors. He also earned a master's degree in health systems management with distinction. Katz completed a fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, specializing in oncology research and care for patients at high risk of gastrointestinal malignancies, focusing on genetics, prevention, and early detection.

Throughout his career, Katz has received numerous awards and research grants and served in various roles in the Israeli Defense Forces for about 20 years. He is currently an associate professor at the Hebrew University and Hadassah and has published over 120 international medical articles. Katz has held several key positions within the association, including secretary and chair of various committees.

As chair, Katz aims to strengthen the sense of community among Israeli gastroenterologists, emphasizing inclusivity across geographic and professional spectrums. He plans to promote national quality standards for endoscopic procedures, unify referral and reporting processes, and update training curricula to reflect 21st-century scientific and technological advances. A dedicated task force will explore integrating artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into gastroenterology practice.

Katz also intends to expand support for medical research, provide up-to-date professional knowledge, and increase young physicians' involvement in the association. He stresses maintaining the profession's status, preventing burnout, and recognizing gastroenterologists' critical role. Katz commits to leading the association with transparency, accessibility, cooperation, and motivation to advance its goals, continuing broad development in Israeli gastroenterology by combining clinical expertise, research innovation, and community building.