After a hiatus in 2024 due to the Swords of Iron war, Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) in Haifa, Israel, hosted its annual Research Day, showcasing an unprecedented, record number of studies initiated by the hospital’s clinician-researchers across various medical disciplines.
Rambam Research Day, held on January 23, provides a window into the future of medicine. Organized this year by Dr. Yaniv Dotan, the director of the hospital’s Pulmonology Institute, it provides a venue for Rambam’s clinician-researchers to present their projects, learn from esteemed experts in the field, and network.
Experts from Israel’s most respected research institutes inspired attendees with their insights into hot research topics. Among them were Professor Yifat Merbel from the Weizmann Institute of Science, speaking on the mysteries and implications of cellular waste products, and entrepreneur Yaakov Nitzan, who shared about the challenges small companies face when developing medical technologies.
Professor Lior Gepstein, Director of the Department of Cardiology and the Division of Research shares, “Rambam’s Division of Research is engaged in basic, translational, and clinical research; Rambam Research Day showcases the achievements of our researchers, clinicians, students, and opinion leaders. All join together to share discoveries, present innovations, and ask questions that will transform healthcare.”
This year, Rambam clinician-researchers submitted a record-breaking 160 abstracts, with seven outstanding projects selected for frontal presentation at the conference. These studies addressed groundbreaking topics such as innovative treatments for ovarian cancer, advanced imaging techniques for cardiac disease, and monitoring technologies for pediatric intensive care patients. Additionally, 80 research posters were displayed in the hospital lobby, exposing hundreds of Rambam’s visitors to cutting-edge advancements in medical research.
Reflecting on the challenges of organizing the event amid security concerns, Dotan’s enthusiasm is contagious: “Despite the security situation, I’m glad we decided to hold Research Day this year. While planning the event, Rambam was operating from its Fortified Underground Emergency Hospital and there were daily air raid sirens. Now it’s quieter and the hostages are returning, allowing us to maintain some normalcy with less anxiety and more joy.”
From innovative studies to thought-provoking discussions, this year’s Research Day reaffirms Rambam’s position at the forefront of medical research and innovation.

Bottom: The display of 80 research papers in the main lobby of Rambam HCC