About us
Clalit Health Services is Israel's largest healthcare provider, serving more than 4.7 million members nationally. Clalit's Southern District spans a vast rural desert region, home to approximately 700,000 residents from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Established in 2021, the Southern District Innovation Center is Israel’s first innovation facility dedicated entirely to community healthcare. It was created as part of Clalit’s strategic vision to become a global leader in medical innovation - specifically outside hospital walls, where most medical interactions occur.
Our Vision
To lead innovation in healthcare, creating lasting value for patients, healthcare providers, and communities throughout the Southern District and beyond.
Our Primary Objective
Embed a robust innovation culture both internally and externally, aligned with Clalit’s strategic goals and the unique challenges of the Southern District.
Our Strategic Objectives
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Promote innovative processes and services
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Advance medical and technological innovation
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Foster internal entrepreneurship within the district
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Strengthen connections with regional public and private sector partners
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Scale successful clinic-based initiatives across the broader organization
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Expand research capacities and impact
Our Team
Head of Innovation, Southern District
Assi Cicurel, MD
A seasoned expert in family medicine, health administration and integrative care, Assi holds an MD from Ben-Gurion University, board certification in family medicine, a medical administration sub-specialty, and an MBA. He completed the integrative medicine program at the University of Arizona, Tucson. Assi also teaches medicine at Ben-Gurion University, mentors medical residents, practices rural medicine and is a leadership member of the board of the Israeli Association of Family Physicians.
Manager of Tcuma Innovation Center
Yaara Schur-Barzilay
Yaara brings more than a decade of innovation leadership, specializing in startup development, strategic partnerships, and healthcare ecosystem building. Previously leading innovation at Clalit Health Services, Yaara joined Tcuma to create a dedicated hub for impactful community-health ventures. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy.
Operations Manager
Dikla Fisher
Dikla combines strategic vision with operational expertise, bringing extensive experience from within the Israeli healthcare system. Passionate about patient-centered care and technology integration, Dikla has led initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering meaningful partnerships. She holds an MBA in Business Administration and Organizational Behavior.
Product Manager
Nir shalom
Product Manager and Innovation Leader, passionate about turning great ideas into real-world solutions that make a difference.
Enjoys connecting design, technology, and healthcare to develop smart digital tools that improve the experience of both patients and medical teams.
Brings over a decade of experience in developing innovative digital and physical products at Clalit, Samsung, and various government ministries.