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Dr. Lior Katz, director of the Gastroenterology and Liver Department at the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), has been elected to head the Israel Association of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases and will lead the professional association's activities in the coming years, uniting gastroenterologists and hepatologists throughout the country. As part of his new role, Dr. Katz is expected to strengthen the field of gastroenterology in Israel, improve the quality of care, integrate innovative technologies and expand collaborations between physicians in the community and hospitals.
Dr. Katz brings extensive clinical, research and managerial experience to the position. He completed his medical studies at HMO and the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School. He later specialized in internal medicine at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva and completed his residency in gastroenterology at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan with honors. Alongside his medical training, he completed a master's degree in health systems administration with honors.
Later in his professional career, he studied at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, one of the world's leading centers in oncology. As part of his studies, he was involved in research and treatment of people at increased risk of developing malignancies, with an emphasis on genetics, prevention and early detection of gastrointestinal diseases.
Throughout his career, Dr. Katz has received numerous excellence awards and significant research grants alongside his medical and academic activities. He also served in the IDF for about 20 years in various positions.
Today, Dr. Katz serves as an associate professor at the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, while also leading the Gastroenterology and Liver Complex at Hadassah hospitals and managing the hospital's Gastroenterology Institute. He is a leading researcher in his field, has published more than 120 articles in the international medical literature and is a member of leading professional groups in the United States, Europe and the international arena that deal with hereditary gastrointestinal tumors.
In addition to his clinical and research activities, he has held key positions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Association, serving as secretary, chair of the Pricing Committee, chair of the Appeals Committee and member of the Examinations Committee.
Upon assuming the position of chair of the association, Dr. Katz sets several key goals for the coming term, foremost among them strengthening the sense of belonging and partnership among all gastroenterologists in Israel.
"In my view, the Gastroenterology Association is not just a professional body — it is a community," said Dr. Katz. “Out of respect for the role, I come to listen, lead, and connect."
According to him, one of the main emphases will be creating a shared professional space for doctors from across the field: from the center and the periphery, hospitals and the community, young doctors and veteran experts.
"In the coming months, I will continue to visit the institutes, gather ideas about what can and should be promoted and enlist friends in action," he added.
As part of the new committee's activities, Dr. Katz plans to promote quality assurance for endoscopic activities in Israel and create uniform national standards. The association will also work to promote uniformity in referral processes, patient preparation and reporting of endoscopic tests.
Another focus of his work is adapting the training of future gastroenterologists to the new era. According to him, the association will update the specialization syllabus to reflect the scientific, technological and clinical developments of the 21st century.
As part of this concept, a dedicated task force is expected to be established to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies in gastroenterology, from improving diagnostic capabilities to developing new tools for managing and treating gastrointestinal diseases.
In addition, the association intends to expand support for medical research, make up-to-date professional knowledge accessible to physicians and deepen the younger generation's involvement in its activities.
Alongside innovation and professional development, Dr. Katz emphasizes that the association will continue to work to maintain the status of gastroenterology and hepatology physicians in Israel, prevent professional burnout, and strengthen recognition of the importance of their work.
"During my tenure, I will lead the association with transparency, availability, cooperation and motivation to advance the association's goals," he concluded.
Dr. Katz's appointment marks the continuation of extensive gastroenterology work in Israel, combining medical expertise, advanced research, technological innovation and a strengthened professional community that leads the field.
