Israeli Health Ministry Report Reveals Severe Burnout Among Oncologists Treating Cancer Patients

A new report from the Israeli Ministry of Health reveals a critical crisis in the country's oncology system, highlighting severe burnout among doctors treating cancer patients. According to the report, 60% of oncologists experience health-impairing stress, 40% report symptoms of depression, and 27% express intentions to leave the profession. These findings were presented on Thursday morning on the Kan 11 news program "This Morning."

Professor Ido Wolf, head of the oncology department at Ichilov Hospital and chair of the National Council for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, warned that the profession is already suffering from a severe shortage of personnel and cannot withstand the loss of a quarter of its doctors. He emphasized the grave concern for the future of cancer care in Israel.

The report states that approximately 30,000 new cancer patients are diagnosed annually in Israel, yet only 367 oncologists are available to treat them. This has increased the average patient load per oncologist from about 200 in the past to 500 or 600 currently, leading to long waiting times, especially in peripheral regions.

Additionally, 53% of oncologists reported a heavy administrative burden, and 35% identified bureaucracy and procedural delays as major sources of stress. Doctors noted that the time spent on paperwork directly reduces the time available for patient care.