Israel Faces Alarming Exodus of Doctors, New Study Reveals

A new study from Tel Aviv University indicates a dramatic 94% surge in the number of doctors leaving Israel over the past three years compared to the preceding decade. Between 2023 and 2025, approximately 1,370 physicians departed the country for at least one year, a significant increase from the 705 who left during the corresponding period ten years prior. This trend affects all medical specialties and regions across Israel.

The research, conducted by Professors Itai Ater and Netai Bergman along with doctoral student Doron Zamir, utilized data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, population registries, and occupational licensing files. While some doctors leave for specialized training or research and may return, the substantial rise in long-term absences is a serious concern, with some opting for permanent relocation.

Alarmingly, the proportion of experienced doctors, aged 45 and above, among those leaving has risen to over 20%, up from about 14% a decade ago. In the last three years, 281 physicians in this age group departed, suggesting their reasons may extend beyond temporary training.

Pediatrics, ophthalmology, dermatology, and ENT specialists showed the highest departure rates, alongside surgeons. Internal medicine also saw significant emigration, with 215 physicians leaving, representing 3.9% of the specialty in Israel. Tel Aviv district reported the highest number of departing doctors, followed by the Central and Haifa districts.

Even after accounting for returning physicians, Israel lost an estimated 509 doctors between 2023 and 2024, a fivefold increase compared to the annual average of 54 between 2010 and 2019. Professor Ater warned that this exodus directly translates to longer waiting times for medical treatment, reduced effectiveness of care, and a decline in overall quality of life for Israelis.