Israel is in dire need of doctors. Many serving today are nearing retirement age, which could lead to major problems within the health service and the population it serves.
A disturbing reality is that 58% of all practicing doctors in Israel received their initial medical degrees abroad primarily due to the shortage of places in medical schools here. Israel has one of the highest rates of foreign-trained doctors in the OECD.
The Arab community in Israel represents 21% of the total population, yet within Israel’s health system, the percentage of Arab Israelis increases across the medical spectrum.
In 2010, Arab physicians numbered 8% of the total number. Today, 25% of all physicians working in Israel are Arab Israelis; nurses number 27% and dentists 27%. Arab Israeli pharmacists are virtually 50% of those working within the health system. Without doubt, this participation is of paramount significance.
An Arab doctor’s perspective on Israel’s medical future
To receive the perspective of an Arab Israeli doctor, the Magazine spoke with Israeli-born Mustafa Sarhan, a 58-year-old family doctor who has been practicing family medicine since 2004.
What motivated you to enter the medical field?
From an early age, I loved helping others and saw the medical profession as a place where I could meaningfully give support to those in need. As I progressed through my school days, it became clear that medicine was the subject I wanted to study. While I was not accepted in a medical school here in Israel, I managed to obtain a place in a Bulgarian medical school; however, this meant that I could not qualify for a subsidy toward the tuition fees given to Israelis studying in Israel.
Following your return to Israel, what challenges did you confront during your initial training period?
One of the biggest hurdles to cross on returning to Israel was the Israeli Medical Licensing Examination (IMLE) – testing for many – which, fortunately, I succeeded in passing. I did my stage – medical internship – at Jerusalem’s Hadassah-University Medical Center based in Ein Kerem and Mount Scopus. The training involved varied aspects of medicine, all of which helped me acclimatize to the Israeli health system.
The most difficult part of the journey began with my choice of specialization – namely, family medicine, and being accepted for an internship; fortunately, Maccabi Healthcare Services provided this opportunity in 2001, and I have remained part of Maccabi up until today.
What aspects of medicine does your professional role embrace?
As a senior physician in the system, my role encompasses several aspects of family medicine. I am a family physician, a diabetologist, and an administrative physician. Fortunately, while at times demanding, I succeed in fulfilling my role.
How do you view Israel’s health system in comparison to other countries?
I see Israel as one of the best health systems in the world. This is a unique country because every citizen is assured of receiving full health coverage via the various kupot cholim (health maintenance organizations).
Our community health service system is a world leader. Many countries come here to see how our health service works in the hope of emulating the Israeli concept. Compared to Europe and the United States, Israel is a shining example of a system that works for all.
As an Arab Israeli doctor working within the Israeli system, have you experienced any personal negativity?
Contrary to the negative bias against Arab Israeli doctors – as projected by the press, TV, and radio – the reality is somewhat different. There is an outstanding coexistence – at every level – between Arab and Jewish doctors. We work together, we assist one another professionally and otherwise, and we celebrate together.
You have four children, three daughters and a son, all of whom have chosen medicine as a career. This is a great compliment to their father – as well as their mother, who is a dentist. Did they study abroad, and where are they today?
Yes, they all studied abroad as it was impossible to enter a medical school here. The eldest, a girl, returned to Israel to complete her medical studies and now is a gynecologist working in Nazareth.
Our son, who has completed his formal studies, is currently carrying out his stage in Nahariya; he aims to become a family doctor – just like his father.
Another daughter, having completed her initial medical studies in Russia, has now returned to Israel and is preparing for the IMLE – possibly in January – a prerequisite prior to beginning the period of stage. Her aim is to become an ophthalmologist.
The youngest daughter is currently studying medicine in Istanbul.
There can be little doubt that Israel requires far more medical schools, enabling Israeli students – both Jew and Arab – the opportunity of studying in Israel rather than abroad. The acceptance rate in Israel’s medical schools, where tuition fees are subsidized, is roughly 20% to 30%, meaning that 70% to 80% of applicants either give up the idea of studying medicine or are forced to study abroad, where the entire high cost of tuition falls on the student.
The disturbing reality is that a number of those studying abroad do not return to Israel. Percentages vary, but the Health Ministry projected that 30% might choose to stay abroad.
A July 2025 survey – publicized by Ynet – on 233 Israeli medical students in Europe and the US found that close to three-quarters said they are weighing staying abroad, not only for financial reasons but also due to better working conditions and career advancement opportunities.
What is abundantly clear is that Israel’s health service would be unable to function without the professional input of its Arab Israeli participants. The health service provides proof that Arabs and Jews can work successfully together. We can but wish that this positive reality of coexistence could be emulated – not only elsewhere in Israel but throughout the entire world.
The Magazine expresses its sincere appreciation to Dr. Sarhan for his valued contribution to this article. We wish him and his family continued success, not only within their professional careers but in all aspects of life.■