New Programs Assist Doctors With Aliyah

Israel has a doctor shortage and as a result a new series of initiatives has been launched – spearheaded by the Jewish Agency (JAFI) – to facilitate the aliyah and absorption of doctors into the country’s health system.

Within the framework of one of the programs, 30 doctors made aliyah this week and headed to JAFI’s Beit Canada absorption center in Ashdod. During their first year in Israel they will learn Hebrew and take a preparatory course for the Israeli medical licensing exam. Those who pass the exam will begin working in hospitals connected to the Clalit health fund and the Ministry of Health.

A second group of 16 doctors will be arriving at Kibbutz Merhaviya in October as part of the “First Home in the Homeland” project. This program is aimed at doctors with more than 14 years experience in the field, as they are exempt from the licensing exam and can receive their certification after a short time in the hospitals along with a verbal exam.

Also this fall, around 60 young doctors and medical students will be coming to Israel through MASA Israel Journey. This program will enable young people to become familiar with the Israel medical system by working at Soroka Hospital in Beersheva or the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, besides strengthening their connection to Israeli society.

The programs will be expanded to European countries in the future.

image: Brian Hendler