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

About 1,370 doctors left Israel for more than a year between 2023 and 2025, according to a Tel Aviv University study published on Sunday. The number rose 94% compared with a similar period from 2013 to 2015.

The study recorded 416 doctors leaving in 2023, 530 in 2024 and a preliminary estimate of 419 in 2025. After accounting for doctors who returned, Israel experienced a net loss of 509 doctors in 2023 and 2024, or about 255 a year. From 2010 to 2019, the average annual net loss stood at 54.

Doctors left across medical specialties. The departure rate reached 6.2% among pediatricians, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and ear, nose and throat specialists. Surgeons accounted for 6% of those who left, intensive care physicians for 4.7%, and internal medicine physicians for 3.9%.

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Since 2023, the State of Israel has been losing its best people.

The researchers said the loss of experienced doctors was particularly concerning. At least 14% of those who left were experienced physicians, while one in five emigrating doctors was over 45. Leaving for at least a year does not necessarily mean permanent emigration, since some doctors go abroad for specialized training, research or other advanced programs. Others may ultimately decide to remain abroad.

The researchers warned that the trend could reduce the quality of medical care and training for Israel’s next generation of physicians. “Since 2023, the State of Israel has been losing its best people,” said Professor Itai Ater. “All of us have relatives waiting for surgery or other medical treatment. The departure of nearly 1,400 doctors translates directly into longer waiting times, less effective medical care, and ultimately severe harm to our quality of life. If, God forbid, this trend continues, there is growing concern that it will cause irreversible damage to Israel’s resilience.”

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All of us have relatives waiting for surgery or other medical treatment. The departure of nearly 1,400 doctors translates directly into longer waiting times, less effective medical care, and ultimately severe harm to our quality of life. If, God forbid, this trend continues, there is growing concern that it will cause irreversible damage to Israel’s resilience.