Oncology Institute

The Oncology Institute at the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) provides care for all types of solid tumors (breast cancer, gastrointestinal tumors, prostate cancer, lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, melanoma, and more).

The institute comprises outpatient clinics (ambulatory care), a day hospitalization unit where all types of oncological treatments are provided (chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and biological therapy), and a 20-bed inpatient department. A new, spacious oncology center – funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust – is currently under construction on the hospital campus. It will also include a Radiation Therapy Unit to serve oncology patients.

The institute is characterized by a warm, intimate, and supportive atmosphere, grounded in the understanding that both staff and patients share one common goal: to provide healing, care, and relief for those battling cancer.

Attention dear patients, we have moved to our new location - Booth 202, next to Human Resources - for a map click here

You can order a shuttle from the hospital parking lots to the entrance of the institute by calling 050-5191362

The Institute’s Team

The oncology institute’s medical staff consists of leading oncologists in Israel:

  • Dr. Raya Leibovitz – Director of the Oncology Institute
    Holds an M.Sc. in Research from the Weizmann Institute of Science, an M.D. from Tel Aviv University, and a Ph.D. in research from Tel Aviv University.
  • Dr. Svetlana Koval – Deputy Director of the Institute
    Supervising the gynecologic and head-and-neck cancer treatments, and is also part of the urologic oncology team. Serves as a principal investigator in several clinical studies on gynecologic malignancies.
  • Dr. Nirit Yarom – Head of the Chemotherapy Unit; supervising treatment for gastrointestinal tumors.
  • Dr. Rotem Meroz – Supervising the Breast Cancer Program.
  • Dr. Carmel Fink – Supervising the Thoracic Oncology Program.

Each specialist provides personalized care to every patient and accompanies them throughout their treatment journey at the institute and beyond. Treatment decisions are made during multidisciplinary meetings, which include the institute’s oncologists and numerous oncology experts from the medical center (surgery, radiology, pathology, and related specialties).

Nursing Team

The nursing team, led by Head Nurse Mr. Albert Wolfovsky, comprises academic nurses, all of whom are graduates of advanced oncology courses and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training for clinical research. The nurses deliver high-level professional care, actively participate in clinical trials, and provide compassionate, empathetic support to meet the complex emotional and physical needs of oncology patients.

Patient Support and Administrative Services

At the Oncology Institute, we believe in minimizing the burdens of bureaucracy and administrative tasks for patients and their families. The administrative team, led by the Institute’s secretary, Ms. Galit Benisti, assists patients with scheduling follow-up appointments and imaging, handling medical records and imaging discs, communicating with the medical and nursing teams, obtaining medication authorizations, and more. All of these services are delivered personally, warmly, and with a smile.

Clinical Research Unit

The Clinical Research Unit, headed by Ms. Yael Yaniv, conducts and manages dozens of clinical trials across various cancer types, guided by the belief that clinical research broadens treatment options for patients and enhances the institute's position on the national and international oncology map. The unit employs around eight clinical research coordinators, all trained and certified in GCP standards. They maintain close communication with patients to facilitate participation in research and address any needs arising from their involvement in the trials.

Additional Patient Support Services

Patient well-being is a fundamental value of the institute and a crucial aspect of holistic cancer care. Therefore, we invest significantly in supportive services, including:

  • Psychological and Psychosocial Support Unit
    Staffed by psychologist Ms. Yael Bogen and social workers Miriam Wilmes and Boris Kantor. The team provides emotional counseling, psychological therapy, assistance in accessing social benefits, and coordination with national insurance and HMOs.
  • Nutritional Counseling
    Provided by certified clinical dietitian Ms. Revital (Tali) Cohen-Shemesh.
  • Physiotherapy
    Offered on a regular basis by a dedicated team of physiotherapists for oncology patients.

Academic Activity

The institute actively participates in teaching and training for medical, nursing, dental, and radiology students, and is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University.

The institute also operates a Molecular Biology Laboratory, headed by Dr. Ayelet Avraham (Ph.D.). Research from the lab has been published in international journals and has received prestigious research grants.