Over 1,300 Doctors Left Israel Since 2023, Study Finds

A recent study by researchers from Tel Aviv University has revealed that 1,369 doctors have left Israel since 2023. The findings have sparked political debate, with some attributing the exodus to government policies, particularly the judicial reform. However, skepticism has also been voiced, with claims that many departing doctors were not intending to settle permanently in Israel.

The study defines a "departing immigrant" as a doctor who has been abroad for at least three consecutive months, over 270 days in the first year of departure, and if they are new immigrants, they must have resided in Israel for at least three years prior to leaving. Researchers caution that extended stays abroad, even for specialization or research, do not necessarily indicate permanent departure, but a significant increase in such long-term absences is a cause for concern, as some may indeed leave permanently or decide not to return after temporary stays.

Data from 2024 indicates that 67% of departing doctors completed their medical studies in Israel. The largest numbers are leaving from the Tel Aviv district, followed by Jerusalem, Haifa, Petah Tikva, Ramat Gan, and Acre. Notably, the current wave of departures includes a higher proportion of experienced, older doctors compared to the previous decade. In 2023-2025, 20% of those leaving were over 45, up from 14% in the preceding decade. Professor Itai Attar noted that the departure of more experienced physicians significantly reduces the likelihood that these departures are part of a training process.

Despite the increase in older departures, the majority of doctors leaving are still under 60. This trend is particularly concerning given that Israel's medical workforce is already aging and approaching retirement age.