New Forum Aims to Reverse Doctor Exodus and Address Shortages

A new civilian forum will convene for the first time in Tel Aviv to address the growing concern over a looming doctor shortage in Israel. The forum's primary goal is to develop strategies for faster integration of returning Israeli doctors and those immigrating from abroad who were trained in recognized institutions. The initiative is co-chaired by Dr. Zeev Feldman, head of the National Association of Physicians, and Nadav Douani, CEO of ScienceAbroad, an organization supporting Israeli scientists overseas. The forum's diverse membership includes prominent figures from academia, healthcare, and economics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the doctor shortage, which extends beyond medical concerns to encompass workforce planning, incentives, taxation, and immigration absorption.

Recent research from Tel Aviv University highlights a significant increase in net doctor emigration. In 2023 and 2024, Israel lost an average of approximately 255 doctors annually, a stark contrast to the average of 54 per year between 2010 and 2019. In 2024 alone, 530 doctors left for extended periods, with only 202 returning, resulting in a negative balance of 328. While current emigration levels are not an immediate threat, researchers warn of a potential snowball effect where continued departures incentivize more doctors to leave.

Compounding the issue is the aging of Israel's medical workforce. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that by the end of 2023, 25% of licensed physicians were aged 67 or older, up from 17% in 2010. Additionally, approximately 24% of specialists in public hospitals are nearing retirement age. The "Yatziv reform," which ceased recognizing medical studies from certain foreign institutions not meeting Israeli Ministry of Health standards, is also expected to reduce the influx of new doctors. This reform is projected to decrease the number of licensed physicians by 400-600 annually starting in 2026, impacting the periphery particularly hard.

In response, Israel is increasing domestic medical school enrollment, aiming for 1,700 new students by 2027, up from the current 1,200. However, the lengthy training period means a time lag before these new doctors enter the system. The forum seeks to leverage the return of doctors from abroad as a more significant policy tool. While some government efforts were made in 2024 to ease the recognition of expertise for immigrant doctors, they are deemed insufficient. The forum's challenge will be to identify and remove professional, bureaucratic, and economic barriers preventing Israeli and Jewish doctors worldwide from relocating to Israel.