Nearly Half of Israeli Resident Doctors Plan to Emigrate
A new study from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reveals that approximately half of resident doctors in Israel intend to leave the country for work in the coming years, with a quarter already taking steps to do so. This research complements a previous study from Tel Aviv University by focusing on the "pipeline" of future senior physicians.
Professor Yaakov Kanner, from Ben-Gurion's School of Public Health, explained that while doctor emigration has always existed, the current political climate has intensified the trend. He noted that younger doctors, often without established families or mortgages, find it easier to relocate than their more senior colleagues.
The study, which surveyed 634 interns and residents, found that 53.2% expressed an intention to work abroad within five years. This intention was higher among those specializing in surgery and anesthesiology compared to family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry. The researchers emphasized that the survey specified a move for actual employment, not just further training.
Dissatisfaction with employment conditions, particularly low salaries, long hours, and poor work-life balance, was strongly linked to the desire to emigrate. Conversely, aspects like collegial relationships, job interest, and professional challenges were viewed positively. The study also indicated that a negative perception of the political and security climate significantly strengthened the intention to leave.
Demographic factors also played a role, with men, non-Jewish participants, and secular individuals reporting a higher likelihood of emigration. The researchers concluded that retaining young doctors requires a systemic approach addressing not only salary and workload but also personal security, trust in government, and career stability, warning that failure to do so could lead to a severe healthcare crisis.
