Doctor remains most prestigious profession
Poll shows that physicians, scientists' jobs are the most coveted by Israelis; Politicians on bottom of list
The study, conducted by the Science Ministry's National Council for Research and Development, also found that clerical positions and Knesset membership are the least coveted jobs.
Doctors Without Borders
The poll, which surveyed 528 people, indicated that healthcare crisis and reports that physicians are leaving the profession at alarming rates did little to dull the glamour of becoming a doctor.
On average, doctors were rated 8.86 on a scale of 1-10, closely trailed by scientists (8.85) and engineers (7.95). Teachers were took fourth place with a score of 7.33 – jumping seven spots ahead compared to the preceding poll, which was conducted in 2009.
According to this year's study, a military career is still considered a well-respected choice, receiving a score of 7.31 and landing in fifth place. Meanwhile, the lack of significant athletic achievements in recent years, and the growing public scrutiny of lawyers have placed them in 11th and 12th place, respectively. But no one was lower on the prestige list than police officers (6.45), clerics (5.54) and Knesset members (5.45).
'Politicians' rating – serious problem'
The participants said they consider doctors and scientists the greatest contributors to the strength of the state, followed by senior technology professionals, engineers and top army officials. Celebrities were on the bottom of the list.
"It's encouraging to see the public acknowledging the significance of science and technology, and that investment in these fields is needed," Major Gen. (Ret.) Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel said.
Education Minister Gideon Saar lauded the bump in the rating of teachers.
"This is yet another encouraging sign, which joins recent data that shows a growing demand for teachers and the rising quality of those who choose the profession," he said. "The trend indicates a turning point that comes after many years of crisis in the Education system. The reforms and the increased teachers' salaries are affecting the profession's prestige for the better."
Addressing the lackluster of a political career, Science and Technology Minister Daniel Hershkowitz said: "The fact that Knesset members aren't considered worthy of appreciation indicates a serious problem. The Knesset's image is a reflection of its members.
"I hope that an increasing number of talented and serious people from all walks of life will dedicate themselves to the vocation of the public sector and to parliamentary action. Then the results would be different."
