Physician migration from Israel rises 94% over the last decade

A study by Tel Aviv University researchers reveals a 94% increase in physician migration from Israel over the last decade. Between 2023 and 2025, approximately 1,369 doctors left the country for at least one year, compared to 705 doctors during the 2013–2015 period.

Of particular concern is the loss of experienced medical professionals. Approximately 20% of those departing are aged 45 or older, a rise from 14% a decade ago. Professor Itay Atar, one of the study's authors, noted that these individuals are often at the peak of their professional careers, including department heads and senior physicians, which threatens the quality of medical services and the ability to train new doctors.

The migration affects various specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and ophthalmology. The study highlights that Israel has seen a net loss of 509 doctors during 2023 and 2024, averaging 255 doctors per year, significantly higher than the previous decade's average loss of 54 doctors annually. This trend coincides with Ministry of Finance data indicating that 24% of specialists in public hospitals are nearing retirement age.