Israel launches initiative to train 2,000 ultra-Orthodox doctors to ease national physician shortage

A new Israeli program seeks to train 2,000 ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) doctors over the next five years. The initiative, which will be launched in the coming weeks, aims to address the shortage of physicians. Israel currently ranks below the OECD average in doctors per capita and the shortfall is expected to grow as many Israeli doctors approach retirement age.

“Israel ranks very low compared with OECD countries in the number of students trained in medicine, and precisely because of this, we believe increased effort should be focused on Haredi human capital, some of which had previously been directed to high-tech, which has eroded in recent years,” said the CEO of the Kemach Foundation, Motti Feldstein. Kemach provides practical solutions to improve income and welfare in Haredi society in Israel through career guidance, scholarships, job placement, and support for entrepreneurs.

“Our role will be to ensure that graduates of the program can preserve their Haredi identity even within such demanding studies,” he added.

Professor Yossi Mekori, a former dean of Tel Aviv University Faculty of Medicine, will head the program that simultaneously seeks to open the world of medicine to members of the Haredi community.

“First and foremost, we want to raise awareness in the Haredi community about training in medical professions, so that already during high school they can complete full matriculation exams,” Mekori said in an interview with Ynet News.

“There are also high schools in the Haredi community that teach toward full matriculation, and there are university preparatory programs that are considered a substitute for matriculation for those who do not have it. Matriculation is the first and fundamental stage in admission to medical schools,” he explained.

Mekori emphasized that the new initiative seeks to maintain current high levels of professionalism.

“There is no attempt here to lower the bar,” he said. “There will be no special conditions, only support to bring them to the required level. Getting into medical school is very difficult, and they will have to meet the accepted standard,” the senior official clarified.

“We already have a few examples of Haredi doctors who are building very successful careers in general hospitals,” he said. “I met Haredi women nearing the end of their studies – brilliant students. It made clear to me how much potential exists. They understand that they will treat whoever needs treatment. One is going to become a gynecologist, another is considering neurology or psychiatry.”

“This is the great revolution, and I see it as a historic matter,” he added. “Medical studies take place without separation, like for all medical students, based on the understanding that you do not choose your patients. In Maimonides’ physician’s oath, it is written that you treat anyone who needs your help. A crack has already opened, and it must be widened – to bring those who want it into the scientific world, with a profession more sacred than any other.”

The program is also designed to facilitate ultra-Orthodox integration into the Israeli economy and society.

“I see this as a Zionist, Israeli and social act of the utmost importance. When I hear Knesset members saying there is no need for core curriculum studies – including secular ones – it makes me extraordinarily angry. There is an opportunity here to expose the Haredi population to the scientific world and to the medical profession.”