And what needs to change to encourage those who have left to return?
On October 19, 2026, the Israeli Medical Association (IMA) held a roundtable discussion focusing on one of the major challenges facing Israel's healthcare system: physician emigration and strategies for retaining the medical workforce.
Led by Prof. Zion Hagay, President of the IMA, and Adv. Leah Wapner, IMA CEO, the meeting brought together representatives from Israel's four health funds, the Ministry of Health, researchers from Tel Aviv University, chairs of medical societies, and representatives of IMA bodies. The aim was to hear different perspectives and explore potential solutions together.
The discussion addressed several key issues, including removing barriers to the return of Israeli physicians from abroad, improving employment security, reducing administrative burdens, expanding opportunities for professional advancement, and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders across the healthcare system.
Retaining physicians in Israel and encouraging Israeli physicians abroad to return require joint efforts and coordinated action. The discussion marked an important step toward developing solutions that will support physicians and strengthen Israel's healthcare system as a whole.
