Israel Gains More Doctors Than It Loses Through Immigration

Contrary to previous findings that suggested a negative balance of Israeli doctors leaving and returning, new data indicates Israel is experiencing a net gain in medical professionals due to immigration. While a Tel Aviv University study estimated a deficit of 509 doctors over two years (2024-2025), this calculation only considered Israeli doctors returning after absences, not all medical professionals entering the country.

Official figures reveal a significant influx of immigrant doctors. In 2025 alone, 540 doctors immigrated to Israel, including 346 from former Soviet republics, 93 from North America, and 53 from France. A similar number arrived in 2024, bringing the total over two years to over a thousand. These doctors are now working in various medical institutions across Israel, including major hospitals like Ichilov, Hadassah, and Rambam.

Integration processes for foreign doctors have been eased. Those with over 10 years of experience are exempt from the written state exam, undergoing a six-month hospital internship and an oral exam instead. Doctors with less experience still need to take exams, but can do so in multiple languages, including Russian and French. An additional Hebrew proficiency exam is required, but it is set at a manageable level for new immigrants.

This influx of immigrant doctors not only compensates for the estimated departure of Israeli doctors but also results in an annual increase of approximately 250 medical professionals. The article also notes that Israeli doctors seeking to practice abroad face significant hurdles, including the need to validate their diplomas, pass local exams, achieve language proficiency, and often complete internships.

As of 2023, Israel had approximately 47,000 active physicians, with about 11,000 over the age of 67. The country has 3.3 doctors per 1,000 residents, slightly below the OECD average of 3.7.