New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Israeli Doctors Emigrating

A recent study by Tel Aviv University researchers indicates a significant and concerning increase in the emigration of Israeli doctors, along with a shift in the age demographics of those leaving. Between 2023 and 2025, approximately 1,370 doctors left Israel for at least a year, a figure that represents a 94% surge compared to the 2013-2015 period when 705 doctors departed. The study, conducted by Professors Itai Atter and Netai Bergman, along with doctoral student Doron Zamir, utilized data from population, education, and licensing registries.

A notable finding is the increased proportion of experienced physicians among those leaving. From 2023 to 2025, 281 doctors aged 45 and older, about 20% of the total emigrants, left Israel. This contrasts with the previous decade, where older physicians constituted 14% of those leaving. The highest departure rates among doctors under 60 were observed in ophthalmology, dermatology, ENT, surgery, and pediatrics.

Geographically, the Tel Aviv district saw the highest number of departing doctors, with 429 leaving between 2023 and 2025, representing 5.4% of the district's doctors and 7.4% of those under 60. The Central district followed with 290 departures, then Haifa with 190, Jerusalem with 132, and the South with 125.

Even after accounting for returning Israeli doctors, the country experienced a net loss of 509 physicians in 2023-2024, averaging about 255 per year. This is nearly five times the average annual net loss of 54 doctors recorded between 2010 and 2019. Researchers warn that this trend could severely impact the quality of medical services and the training of future doctors.

While a year abroad doesn't always signify permanent emigration, as many doctors leave for specialized training or research, the substantial increase in long-term absences is a worrying sign. The researchers emphasize that the departure of experienced professionals is less likely to be for training purposes and poses a direct threat to Israel's healthcare system and national resilience. Professor Itai Atter stated that the loss of nearly 1,400 doctors translates to longer waiting times for medical treatments and a decline in quality of life.