A Holistic Vision for Pediatric Health
At the helm of Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petach Tikva, Israel, Dr. Efrat Bron-Harlev is pioneering a future for pediatric healthcare that extends beyond traditional medicine. As Director, she champions a holistic approach, recognizing that a child’s healing journey encompasses not only physical care but mental, emotional, and social well-being. Dr. Bron-Harlev’s commitment to wellness shines through her integration of art, music, and creative therapies at Schneider Children’s, giving young patients and families tools for lifelong health. “Our goal is not just health today but lifelong wellness tomorrow,” she says, underscoring the hospital’s mission to lay the foundation for healthier adulthoods through advanced technology, big data, and genetic research.
Pioneering Innovation in Pediatric Care
Under Dr. Bron-Harlev’s leadership, Schneider Children’s Medical Center has made remarkable strides in leveraging technology to enhance patient care. The hospital’s dedicated Innovation Center serves as a bridge between groundbreaking research and practical healthcare solutions, developing diagnostic tools, treatments, and digital health solutions tailored for children. Notable among these initiatives is the artificial pancreas project, which Schneider leads on both national and international fronts. Dr. Bron-Harlev envisions a transformative future for pediatric medicine: “From bloodless testing to AI-driven physician assistants, these tools will make pediatric visits more precise, less invasive, and increasingly proactive.”
Championing Child- and Family-Centered Care
Dr. Bron-Harlev’s philosophy of care recognizes that “children are not small adults.” This belief shapes Schneider Children’s approach—from child-friendly spaces to programs that engage families in the healing process. The recently opened Glass Building, which doubles the hospital’s capacity, stands as a testament to this vision, offering Israel’s first NICU with chemical and biological protection, a protected dialysis unit, private patient rooms, and specialized centers for brain health and eating disorders. Dr. Bron-Harlev’s “Hospital from Home” project further exemplifies this approach by allowing qualifying children to receive quality care at home, empowering families to be active participants in recovery.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
In times of crisis, Dr. Bron-Harlev’s leadership has shone brightly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Schneider Children’s established Israel’s first post-COVID clinic for children and expanded telemedicine offerings, setting a new standard for hybrid care. Recently, during the conflict in Gaza, her focus turned to protecting Schneider’s most vulnerable patients. Efforts included relocating children to fortified areas and establishing a “Returnees Department” to support children rescued from captivity, providing them a safe space to reintegrate and heal. “For these children, our hospital has become more than a medical facility—it’s a sanctuary of healing and hope,” reflects Dr. Bron-Harlev.
A Lasting Legacy in Pediatric Medicine
Through her leadership, Dr. Efrat Bron-Harlev has transformed Schneider Children’s Medical Center into a beacon of innovative, compassionate, and forward-thinking pediatric care. By integrating advanced technology, prioritizing family involvement, and cultivating resilience, Dr. Bron-Harlev is setting a standard not just in treating young patients but in building a foundation for healthier futures, one child at a time.
Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel: A Hub of Pediatric Excellence
Founded in October 1992 in Petach Tikva, Schneider Children’s Medical Center has become a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in Israel, recognized for setting benchmarks in patient-centered care, research, and innovation. Under Dr. Efrat Bron-Harlev’s direction, the center redefines pediatric medicine through a unique blend of technology and a holistic approach to children’s health.
Meeting Complex Challenges as Director
Leading Schneider Children’s Medical Center poses distinct challenges as Israel’s only comprehensive tertiary-care children’s hospital. Dr. Bron-Harlev addresses a spectrum of demands, from clinical needs to budgetary constraints, through strategic resource optimization and investment in cutting-edge technology. She also emphasizes professional development, positioning the hospital as a leader in both patient care and as a workplace.
An Inclusive Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Bron-Harlev’s leadership centers on an inclusive, ‘flattened hierarchy’ model that values insights from all organizational levels. This approach fosters open communication and collaboration, enhancing patient care and creating a culture where team members feel empowered and valued.
Innovation Center: Driving Pediatric Advancements
Schneider Children’s Innovation Center is at the heart of technological progress, supporting initiatives that range from diagnostic tools to digital health solutions. The artificial pancreas project, a landmark in juvenile diabetes research, exemplifies the hospital’s forward-thinking approach. Dr. Bron-Harlev anticipates even greater integration of AI and digital solutions, aiming to extend Schneider’s high-quality care beyond hospital walls and into homes.
A Family-Inclusive Approach to Pediatric Care
Committed to family-centered healthcare, Dr. Bron-Harlev has spearheaded the development of child-friendly spaces, where families play a vital role in healing. The recently inaugurated Glass Building offers an expanded NICU, a state-of-the-art brain center, and Israel’s largest pediatric research facility. Schneider’s “Hospital from Home” initiative allows young patients to receive care in the comfort of their homes, enhancing their quality of life and easing family burdens.
Empowering Families for Long-Term Health
At Schneider Children’s, Dr. Bron-Harlev and her team view the family as a central part of the healing journey. A dedicated multidisciplinary support team attends to the emotional and social needs of patients and families alike, ensuring a positive experience and reinforcing Schneider’s commitment to compassionate, family-centered care.
Global Leadership and Vision in Pediatric Healthcare
Under Dr. Efrat Bron-Harlev’s visionary leadership, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel has become a global model for pediatric healthcare. Combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, Schneider Children’s embodies a future where young patients are not only treated but are nurtured, setting the stage for healthier generations to come.