Hadassah Medical Center (Jerusalem): A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Innovation
Hadassah Medical Center: The Beacon of Israeli Medicine in Jerusalem
Hadassah Medical Center is more than just Jerusalem’s largest hospital; it is a global scientific hub where new medical frontiers are forged. Founded over a century ago by the Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America, the hospital today serves as a benchmark for academic medicine, operating two massive campuses: Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus.
In this guide, we explore why Hadassah is ranked among the world’s best hospitals, how its specialized departments function, and what every patient should know before their visit.
Two Campuses – Two Distinct Missions
Hadassah Ein Kerem: The High-Tech Research Hub
Perched in the Judean Hills southwest of Jerusalem, the Ein Kerem campus is the base for Hadassah’s most complex surgeries and clinical trials. It houses the Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, creating a seamless link between the lab and the bedside.
- The Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower: A state-of-the-art 19-story facility featuring underground, fortified operating rooms designed to remain functional even under biological or chemical threats.
- Global Impact: Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for its role as a "bridge to peace," Hadassah treats patients of all backgrounds, fostering coexistence through healthcare.
Hadassah Mount Scopus: Rehabilitation and Community Care
The Mount Scopus campus has a storied history, having been an enclave for nearly two decades before its restoration. Today, it is a center of excellence for rehabilitation and maternal care, serving the northern and eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem.
- Gandel Rehabilitation Center: Recently opened, this is the largest and most advanced rehab facility in Israel, utilizing AI-driven robotics, virtual reality for neurological recovery, and specialized hydrotherapy pools.
Leading Departments and Medical Breakthroughs
1. Heart and Vascular Institute
Hadassah is a pioneer in cardiology, performing procedures that were once thought impossible:
- TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation): Replacing heart valves via catheterization, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery.
- LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device): Implanting "mechanical hearts" for patients with end-stage heart failure.
- Electrophysiology: Cutting-edge 3D heart mapping to treat complex arrhythmias.
2. Sharett Institute of Oncology
Hadassah is one of the few centers globally developing personalized cancer vaccines.
- Immunotherapy: Innovative treatments for melanoma and hematological cancers.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT): The BMT unit is internationally recognized for its success rates in both pediatric and adult leukemia treatments.
3. Organ Transplantation
The hospital is a leader in life-saving transplants:
- Liver and Kidney: Hadassah performs a high volume of both living and deceased donor transplants.
- Pancreas Transplants: Providing a curative approach for patients with severe Type 1 diabetes.
4. Center for Rare Diseases
Hadassah is often the "court of last resort" for patients with undiagnosed conditions. By combining massive genomic databases with clinical expertise, the center identifies rare genetic mutations found nowhere else.
Logistics and Patient Information
Getting There
- Ein Kerem: The Jerusalem Light Rail (Red Line) stops directly at the hospital entrance. This is the most efficient way to reach the campus, as parking can be scarce during peak morning hours.
- Mount Scopus: Easily accessible by bus and the Light Rail (via the Givat HaMivtar station).
Parking
Paid parking is available at both campuses. In Ein Kerem, a multi-story garage is available, but be prepared for a 10-minute walk to the main clinics. Shuttle services are often available between the parking lots and the main entrance.
Language Support
Hadassah is a multicultural environment. A significant portion of the staff is fluent in English, Russian, and Arabic. For international patients, a dedicated "Medical Tourism" office provides coordination, translation, and logistics support.
Cultural Landmark: The Chagall Windows
Inside the Abbell Synagogue at the Ein Kerem campus, you will find the world-famous 12 stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. Representing the 12 Tribes of Israel, these vibrant works of art create a space of spiritual healing and reflection for patients and their families.
Practical Tips for Patients
1. Appointment Booking (*5066): Download the Hadassah mobile app to manage appointments, view lab results, and navigate the campus. 2. Tofes 17 (Commitment Forms): Since Hadassah is a public-benefit hospital, ensure your HMO (Clalit, Maccabi, etc.) has authorized your visit to avoid high out-of-pocket costs. 3. Emergency Care: Both campuses house 24/7 Emergency Departments (Miyun). Ein Kerem is the designated Level 1 Trauma Center for the Jerusalem region.
Contact Details
- Main Switchboard: +972-2-6777111
- International Patient Office: info@hadassah.org.il
- Website: [hadassah.org.il](https://www.hadassah.org.il)
Hadassah continues to live by its founding motto: "The Healing of the Daughter of my People." It remains a place where ancient Jerusalem meets the future of global medicine.