Kfir Shabo | Health Systems Management, 2025

For Kfir Shabo, earning a degree was never simply a personal achievement—it was an opportunity to create meaningful change. A first-generation college graduate, Kfir began his studies in Health Management Systems at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College (JMC) at age 38, balancing family life, a full-time career, and the demands of returning to the classroom after many years away from formal education.

Before enrolling at JMC, Kfir had spent more than a decade working at Hadassah Medical Center, where he advanced from washing surgical instruments to serving as Head of Logistics for the Surgery Department. Although he had once attempted higher education, he left his studies midway, feeling that the environment was not the right fit. Years later, encouraged by his director at Hadassah, he decided to try again. The path was far from easy. He spent a full year studying with private tutors in mathematics and English to meet admission requirements and persisted even after falling short of the required scores. Determined not to give up, he requested a meeting with the department head, who ultimately gave him the opportunity to prove himself.

The transition back to student life was challenging. As a husband, father, and working professional, Kfir was often more than fifteen years older than his classmates and initially struggled to find his place academically and socially. Support from JMC’s Mercaz Etgarim proved transformative, providing tutoring, guidance, and the confidence that he had a community invested in his success.

Kfir credits his studies with giving him the tools to view healthcare through a new lens. Since graduating, he has led initiatives and projects that have saved Israel’s healthcare system millions of shekels. His proudest accomplishment began as his final project, which focused on improving operating room efficiency at Hadassah. Through extensive observation and data-driven analysis, he developed recommendations that were embraced by hospital leadership and helped optimize processes in one of the medical center’s most complex environments.

What stands out most when speaking with Kfir is his deep gratitude—to his family, his colleagues, and especially to JMC. He speaks passionately about the support he received throughout his journey and remains committed to giving back. His guiding question is simple: “How can I influence the world for good?”

His advice to current students reflects his practical approach to both learning and leadership: “The material may seem theoretical, but what you learn in class is exactly what you will encounter in the field. Learn it well, and never stop taking notes. Opportunities to learn are everywhere.”

We are proud to spotlight Kfir Shabo—a member of the JMC alumni community whose perseverance, gratitude, and commitment to improving healthcare continue to make a lasting impact.