Dr. Eitan Mikler, a 27-year-old anesthesiology resident at Sheba Medical Center, recently moved to Israel from Colombia. He always dreamed of living in Israel, rooted in his Jewish identity.
Mikler is one of 541 doctors who made aliyah in 2025, part of a national effort by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and healthcare authorities. This increase in doctors is critical for Israel’s healthcare system, which is facing a significant shortage, especially as many doctors are leaving to practice abroad. A recent report revealed that 69,300 Israelis left the country in 2025, while only 19,000 returned. From January 2023 to September 2024, 875 doctors exited Israel, resulting in a net loss of 481.
Growing up, Mikler wanted to help his future country. He studied medicine in Colombia before making the move. When he was ready to immigrate, tensions erupted in Israel. On October 7, Hamas attacked, but this didn’t deter Mikler. Instead, it solidified his resolve to be part of Israel’s medical community. He heard from friends about the need for doctors in Israel, motivating his journey.
Now at Sheba, Mikler faces challenges adjusting to the local system and medical Hebrew, but he appreciates the teamwork culture in Israeli hospitals. “Here, if something’s wrong, everyone speaks up. In Colombia, it’s not that easy,” he remarked.
His experience reflects a broader trend; in 2025, 541 doctors immigrated to Israel, with 93 from North America, 53 from France, and 23 from South America. About 30% of these new doctors are training in areas that need them the most. Many are entering fields like psychiatry and rehabilitation.
Government officials say this increase is due to targeted outreach efforts, including professional conferences and job placement services. The Ministry of Aliyah plans to expand its outreach in 2026, emphasizing the importance of these doctors in strengthening Israel’s healthcare.
Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder of Nefesh B’Nefesh, emphasized the impact these doctors have, stating, “Their contribution to saving lives is profound.” The support provided to help physicians navigate their new environment is vital to their integration and success.
In short, Dr. Mikler’s story highlights both the personal dedication of new immigrants and the importance of their contributions to Israel’s healthcare system during challenging times. You can find more about immigration trends and health workforce shortages at Brookings Institution.
