TAU Study Finds Doctor Departures Nearly Doubled Over a Decade

Tel Aviv University researchers found that 1,369 Israeli doctors spent at least one year abroad in 2023–2025, up 94% from 705 in 2013–2015. The analysis by Itai Ater, Nittai Bergman and Doron Zamir cross-referenced population, education and medical-license records. It counted 281 doctors aged 45 or older and reported a net loss of 509 doctors in 2023–2024 after returnees were included. The researchers cautioned that a year abroad does not necessarily mean permanent emigration, while warning that sustained departures could strain Israel’s health system and reduce the medical workforce available to patients.