Rambam placed first in 2017 for obtaining funds for clinical trials investments from pharmaceutical companies. In this case, being first holds out promise of new discovery benefitting patients worldwide.

A 2017 report on clinical studies by the Israeli Ministry of Health noted that investments by pharmaceutical companies for clinical trials in Israeli hospitals are increasing. Rambam was listed in first place, attracting NIS 159 million in clinical trial investments. The two most heavily funded studies in Israel are being led by Dr. Avivit Peer and Dr. Mirjana Wollner, senior oncologists at the hospital.

Dr. Peer, the Director of Clinical Oncological Research at Rambam, specializes in urinary tract tumors. Dr. Wollner is the Chest and Lung Cancer Coordinator in the Oncology Institute. Clinical research and innovation are top priorities for Rambam. Currently, more than 1,300 clinical trials are ongoing in Northern Israel’s largest academic medical center. The advantage of holding clinical trials is far more than financial. These trials provide patients with access to new breakthrough medications and technologies, sometimes years before they are available to the open market. Doctors are able to leverage the trials for international collaborations that expand knowledge and improve overall treatment of patients worldwide.

Last week the cornerstone was laid for another first for medical research in Israel—at Rambam—for the Helmsley Health Discovery Tower. Made possible by a generous $18 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Tower will facilitate a first-ever synergistic relationship between Rambam Medical Center, The University of Haifa, the Technion and the hi-tech life science and health industry. The result will be a one-stop clinical research and education powerhouse for the betterment of humankind.