Ariel University in Samaria is set to make history Wednesday by conferring doctor of medicine degrees on 53 graduates from the Adelson School of Medicine. This milestone comes after an intensive 4-year journey, culminating in a ceremony attended by the president of Israel, where the graduates will officially become doctors. The cohort, completing their final year of their practicum, boasts a strong female representation, with approximately 40 women among the graduates.
Dr. Shany Shperling-Mordo, 31, an Ariel University medical graduate now interning at Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, reflects on the mixed emotions of the moment. "It's a complex time given the current situation in the country, especially working in a hospital and witnessing everything firsthand," she says. "But I'm also incredibly excited about this event. After all the hard work, it's deeply rewarding to reach this point. There's a real sense of accomplishment."
The past five years have been transformative for Shperling-Mordo. "I've met extraordinary people, both fellow students and faculty members," she recalls. "One particularly remarkable individual was Moshe Yedidyah Leiter, who tragically fell in battle in Gaza last November at age 39. He was a commander in the Shaldag unit and played a significant role in my journey. He encouraged us to join the 'Arrow' program, which integrates top students into research at various Sheba departments. Both of us were accepted. It was a pivotal moment in my career, and I owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. He was an exceptional person who could have been an outstanding physician. His loss is profound for our country."
Looking to the future, Shperling-Mordo expresses hope: "I wish for myself and my colleagues to become skilled doctors capable of truly helping our patients. I hope we can fulfill our aspirations while remembering our roots, and importantly, that we choose to stay here to work and live in Israel. To me, that's crucial."
The Adelson School of Medicine at Ariel University opened its doors in October 2019 and currently hosts about 350 students. The four-year program is designed for those with a bachelor's degree. The inaugural class is now completing their internships, with some already securing positions in various specialties nationwide.
Dr. Dan Sagi, 32, now an intern at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, reminisces about his first day of medical school over four years ago. Since then, his days have grown longer and his nights shorter. But the journey has brought him more than just a medical degree; it's given him love and family."
"My wife is also a medical student at Ariel, a year behind me," Sagi shares. "We met while preparing for the entrance exams. By chance, I was accepted before her, even though she's far more accomplished. Ten months ago, we welcomed our beautiful daughter. It's been an incredibly intense period. Before starting, I couldn't have imagined what I was getting into," he admits. "There have been countless sleepless nights, especially this past year, but the satisfaction is immeasurable. I love this profession beyond words. Most days, I'm up before dawn, but I genuinely enjoy what I do."
In anticipation of the ceremony, Professor Shai Ashkenazi, dean of the Adelson School of Medicine, wrote to the graduates: "You're entering a noble profession that is truly a calling. It uniquely combines sophisticated science with the act of giving, helping others, and saving lives. Always treat your patients with humility, warmth, empathy, compassion, and words of encouragement. Guide them wisely and sensitively towards recovery."
Tonight's ceremony at Ariel University will be attended by President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal, Dr. Miriam Adelson, Ministry of Health Director General Moshe Bar Siman Tov, Israel Medical Association Chairman Professor Zion Hagay, University President Professor Ehud Grossman, University Rector Professor Albert Pinhasov, and School of Medicine Dean Professor Shai Ashkenazi.
(Photo: Haim Zach / GPO) ???? ?? ???
The establishment of the School of Medicine at Ariel University was a pioneering move, breaking years of stagnation in opening new medical schools in Israel, partly due to resistance from established universities. The preparatory process spanned several years, involving extensive consultations with experts in Israel and abroad. The school's innovative curriculum aims to produce high-quality physicians with a strong foundation in both basic sciences and clinical medicine.
Israel is currently grappling with a shortage of doctors, a problem expected to worsen. The country's physician ratio is 3.1 per 100,000 people, significantly below the OECD average. Recent recommendations propose an immediate increase in medical student intake from 1,200 to 1,400 annually, with plans to potentially double this figure in the future.
Dr. Miriam Adelson is the publisher of Israel Hayom. The Adelson family owns the company that is the primary shareholder in Israel Hayom.
