Israel lost 1,370 doctors in three years as departures surged 94%, study finds

A Tel Aviv University study revealed that Israel lost approximately 1,370 doctors over the last three years (2023-2025), marking a 94% increase in departures compared to 2013-2015. In 2023 and 2024, Israel experienced a net loss of 509 doctors, nearly five times the annual average of the preceding decade. The emigration rate was particularly high among pediatricians, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and ENT specialists, with 14% of departing physicians being experienced doctors. While some doctors leave for temporary training, researchers warn that this trend, if continued, could harm the quality of medical care and physician training in Israel. Prof. Itai Ater stated, "Since 2023, the State of Israel has been losing its best people."