Doctors Flee Israel Amid Security Concerns and Burnout

In the 15 months following the October 7th attacks, 50 doctors have left Israeli hospitals to work abroad, according to a survey by the Israel Medical Association. The survey, covering October 2023 to the end of 2024, also revealed that 53 additional doctors who went for advanced training abroad did not return on schedule. Two major medical centers, Ichilov and Beilinson, were particularly affected, with 14 of the departing doctors coming from these institutions.

A broader study by Tel Aviv University, based on national statistics, indicated that 1,369 doctors left Israel for at least a year between 2023 and 2025, an estimated 94% increase compared to the 2013-2015 period. Notably, about 20% of those leaving were over 45, up from 14% a decade prior.

Psychiatry has been significantly impacted, with Dr. Marina Koptchik of the Israel Psychiatric Association reporting that four psychiatrists from her hospital left last year, three specializing in child psychiatry. She cited security concerns, worries about children's futures, workload, burnout, and a search for professional opportunities as primary reasons, rather than financial ones. Many are attracted to countries like New Zealand, Australia, and the UK where they don't need to re-do their specialization. Some doctors working remotely in the US are also finding it lucrative and have no incentive to return.

Other fields heavily affected include internal medicine, surgery, ENT, gastroenterology, and oncology. The main drivers for emigration are the security and political situation, professional advancement, better salaries, and improved working conditions. The Ministry of Health has seen a significant rise in requests for certificates of good conduct, necessary for leaving for advanced training abroad.

Medical leaders are concerned about this trend, with Professor Zion Hagay of the Israel Medical Association calling it a strategic danger to Israel. Efforts are underway to form a forum to study the causes and develop solutions. Suggestions include creating an attractive professional package for returning doctors, encompassing clinical and academic positions, research grants, and even a "life package" to assist with spouses' employment, children's education, and housing.