BioMedIn - Diploma Studies For MD

Computational Biology for Physicians

Why Now?

The explosion of data across biology and medicine—fueled in part by large-scale genome projects—has reshaped the landscape of medical research. These advances demand new tools, approaches, and ways of thinking.

The dramatic drop in the cost of genetic sequencing is rapidly making personal genomic maps a routine part of care. To truly harness this data for the benefit of patients, physicians must be equipped to translate it into clinical insight.

At the same time, breakthroughs in mobile health, electronic medical records, wearable tech, social networks, and augmented reality are driving a revolution in medicine. The post-COVID era has made it clear: we must improve our ability to predict, personalize, prevent, and engage.

The Program

Now in its 14th year, the Computational Biology for Physicians program is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University and Sheba Medical Center (In Hebrew). It focuses on genomics and biomedical data science—fields that are becoming increasingly vital in both research and clinical settings.

About the program

 

Our Goal

To provide medical professionals with the scientific knowledge and practical tools to lead the data revolution in healthcare.

Graduates will be able to understand and apply advanced computational methods in clinical care and research, including:

  • Genome mapping of patients, pathogens, and microbiomes, and interpreting their clinical significance
  • Predictive modeling of individual health trajectories and early disease detection.
  • Personalized medicine, using genomic and clinical history to tailor treatments and minimize side effects.
  • Discovery of hidden patterns and mechanisms in biomedical data through advanced computational analysis.

Who Should Apply?

  • Physicians from all specialties and career stages—from interns to department heads—who want to integrate data science, genomics, and digital health into their clinical or research practice
  • Master’s degree holders in biology, medicine, or related fields.
  • Tech and computer science professionals (via a separate admission track).

Click to see the program promo

The program is designed for working professionals, with classes held one day per week, allowing participants to continue their clinical or research duties. A dedicated track is also available for residents in the preclinical sciences phase (details below).

 

About the study program

Download the program brochure (In Hebrew) 

Flexible Learning Format

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format—live on Zoom, occasionally on campus, and fully accessible via on-demand recordings. Participate from anywhere, at your own pace.

Attendance Policy

While real-time participation is encouraged, attendance is not mandatory—except for those in the preclinical track, who are required to either attend live Zoom sessions or keep up via recordings.

Digital Learning Tools

In line with the program's focus, we provide a suite of digital tools to enhance the learning experience:

  • A centralized website for all course materials
  • A dedicated Zoom room for live sessions
  • A video library with on-demand access to all lectures and tutorials
  • A Q&A forum for interaction with instructors
  • A curated WhatsApp group for key updates (low-volume).

 

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition is charged according to university policy.
Scholarship opportunities are periodically available and presented to candidates during the registration process.

 

Program Leadership

רון אונגר

Prof. Ron Unger
Program Head, Bar-Ilan University
Expert in bioinformatics, machine learning, and data mining in medical records
[Website]

 

גידי רכבי

Prof. Gidi Rechavi
Program Head, Sheba Medical Center
Pioneer in personalized medicine and genomics, Director of the Sheba Cancer Research Center, Israel Prize Laureate
[Website]

 

רונן טל בוצר

Dr. Ronen Tal-Botzer
Program Director
CEO of a leading AI-in-medicine company focused on R&D and commercialization in digital health
[Website]

 

רחל לוי דרומר

Dr. Rachel Levy-Drummer
Chair of the Program
Academic Secretary, Bar-Ilan University; former Head of the Biostatistics Unit

 

Contact and Registration

About management of the program and making contact

For more information, contact:

Administrative Coordinator

Ms. Fuor Batel, Faculty of Life Sciences
Tel: 03-5317297