Brain drain: Israel’s future doctors look overseas

Gaza war drives more young Israelis to seek opportunities abroad, with Czech Republic becoming hub for medical studies; Prof. Martin Vokurka of Charles University in Prague says nearly 200 Israeli students enrolled, forming thriving community

Sharon Kidon|
As the war in Gaza drives more young Israelis to seek opportunities abroad, the Czech Republic has emerged as a popular destination for medical studies. Professor Martin Vokurka, dean of the First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Prague, says his institution is welcoming an increasing number of Israeli students.
"Our faculty belongs to the oldest university in the region and is by far the largest medical faculty in the Czech Republic, with around 5,000 students, including international students studying in English," Vokurka told Ynet this week in an interview.
Brain drain: Israel loses doctors' minds abroad - Ynetnews interview Martin Vokurka
(Video: Yaron Brenner)
According to Vokurka, nearly 200 Israeli students are currently enrolled at the faculty, with an additional 200 alumni having graduated over the years. "We have an important Israeli student community," he noted.
Asked if students who are not accepted into Israeli universities can become equally skilled doctors abroad, Vokurka expressed confidence in his institution's programs. "Of course, it depends on the institution, but I am sure we can prepare them as well as other institutions—maybe even more," he said, citing 15 years of collaboration with organizations like Medical Doctors International and the successful careers of graduates both in Israel and abroad.
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Vokurka pointed to the limited number of medical school spots in Israel as a key factor driving students overseas. "It’s very important to provide enough places for studying in a country," he said, emphasizing the long-term impact on healthcare systems.
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While Israeli institutions like Reichman University’s recently established medical faculty aim to address the shortage, Vokurka believes more is needed. "I have the data on how many doctors Israel still needs and how many applications remain unsatisfied. It’s critical to increase the number of doctors," he said.
Vokurka added that Charles University remains committed to its collaboration with Israeli institutions and hospitals, ensuring that Israeli students receive "excellent education" to meet both domestic and global medical demands.
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