Overview
- The Tel Aviv University study published Sunday found about 1,370 physicians spent at least one year abroad between 2023 and 2025, a roughly 94% rise from the comparable period a decade earlier.
- After accounting for doctors who later returned, the researchers estimate a net loss of 509 doctors in 2023–2024, about 255 per year compared with an average net loss of 54 per year in 2010–2019.
- The increase includes a larger share of senior doctors, with 281 physicians aged 45 and older leaving between 2023 and 2025, up from roughly 14% in the prior decade.
- Departures are concentrated by specialty and place: notable losses include surgeons, internists, ophthalmology/dermatology/ENT specialists and pediatricians, and the Tel Aviv District recorded the highest number of leavers.
- Researchers used Central Bureau of Statistics registries and licensing records and caution that some year‑long absences reflect fellowships, training or research abroad rather than permanent emigration, but warn the trend could strain care, waiting times and the pipeline for training new doctors.