After years of advocacy, the Council for Higher Education approved the establishment of Israel's first private medical school at Reichman University in the city of Herzliya in central Israel. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the number of medical students over time. However, the steep tuition, nearly $27,000 annually, may force some aspirants to abandon their medical dreams if they cannot secure admission to public universities, which charge significantly less tuition. Proponents argue that many Israeli students already seek medical education abroad at similar costs, and now they have the option to study domestically.
Enrollment for the new medical school is set to open soon, with 80 students beginning their studies in February (the second semester), and another 80 starting at the beginning of the next academic year. Reichman University received approval for a four-year M.D. program, targeting graduates with science degrees from other institutions who meet the entry criteria. Simultaneously, the higher education system is preparing to launch medical programs at the Weizmann Institute of Science and the University of Haifa, pending approval. Sources indicate that the Weizmann Institute is closer to receiving approval than the University of Haifa.
This effort aligns with the Health Ministry's goal to increase the number of medical students to about 2,000 by 2030, compared to the current about 1,100. This initiative aims to boost the number of domestic medical students while phasing out recognition of studies at numerous foreign institutions, a change expected to start in 2026. The Sheba and Rabin medical centers, alongside Schneider Medical Center for pediatric studies, are key partners in this initiative. Despite the increased student numbers, a primary concern within the health care system is the competition for clinical training positions, which are crucial for practical hospital work during clinical years and have been a bottleneck in opposition to this initiative.
As the student body has grown and is expected to continue growing, the number of hospitals available for training has not increased, necessitating solutions like extending teaching and practical training hours for students. Reactions to this development are mixed. While some praise the decision for potentially increasing the number of doctors long-term, others express apprehension.
"Israel decided it needs to increase its medical student numbers, so I have no problem with opening another faculty. Of course, clinical training arrangements need to be managed properly. Hospitals affiliated with academic institutions should not operate like a free market. I believe there is a certain faculty size beyond which control is lost, and today's university departments are nearing that limit. As long as Israel mandates 1,200 students annually, existing schools can handle it," a senior health care official said.
"Clinical training rotations should be a national resource, not subject to a chaotic market of hospitals. The concern with an additional school, especially in central Israel, is competition for clinical placements. The state must ensure Reichman does not take existing clinical rotations from other students," the official said. "If the state supervises this to ensure equitable learning opportunities and treats it as a national asset, great. If not, it could be very bad. If it turns into a market, it will be chaotic, and I want to believe it won't be that way. Ultimately, we are lowering the level of teaching. We haven't increased the number of hospitals, yet we plan to double the student count on the same infrastructure, so clearly, someone will pay for this, and it won't be the same, but that's the state's decision. The establishment of this school is already a fait accompli."
A sharp increase in student numbers
The Council for Higher Education announced that Reichman University's curriculum was reviewed by an academic committee led by Professor Jonathan Halevy. The committee thoroughly evaluated the program's compliance with entry requirements and the availability of clinical training fields for students. The Council deemed Reichman's medical program worthy in terms of content and academic quality. The approved program is expected to enroll up to 80 students annually. In recent years, the Council for Higher Education and the Planning and Budgeting Committee, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and academic institutions, have worked to address the doctor shortage in Israel.
Among other measures, four-year programs for foreign students were closed, adding approximately 140 Israeli medical students in the 2023-2024 academic year. Additionally, a new six-year program was launched at Bar-Ilan University in Safed, with about 80 new medical students. As a result, the number of students increased by 230, from 910 to 1,140, marking a 25% rise – the largest increase since medical education began in Israel.
Education Minister and Chairman of the Council for Higher Education, Yoav Kisch said that "I see a national goal in approving medical study programs in Israel, so any academic institution meeting pedagogical requirements can train future doctors. Opening the medical faculty is a significant academic achievement and a critical step to ensuring the future of healthcare in Israel."
"At a time when Israel faces security challenges and a health crisis from war, the health care system faces a dual challenge: a severe doctor shortage alongside a growing population and retiring veteran doctors. The establishment of the faculty provides a quality, innovative, and long-term solution that ensures a strong healthcare system ready for future challenges. This move strengthens national resilience and brings tremendous news to Israeli citizens," he added.
Chairman of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, Professor Yossi Makori, added: "The decision to open another medical school in Israel is a significant milestone in our efforts to reduce the doctor shortage gap. In recent years, we have increased the number of medical students in collaboration with all involved parties, promoting initiatives that dramatically increase student numbers while maintaining high academic standards, ensuring quality training, including developing relevant research skills and integrating innovation in medical education. I'm proud that these efforts not only address the medical workforce shortage but also position Israel at the forefront of advanced medical training, strengthening the entire health care system."
Professor Uriel Reichman, founding president and chairman of the board of Reichman University, expressed gratitude for the approval. "The Dina Recanati School of Medicine is set to become a leading institution in education, entrepreneurship and medical research. Training future generations of doctors is a vital mission in Israeli society, and we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in it," he said.
Prof. Arnon Afek, founding dean of the school, added: "Israel needs about 2,000 doctors each year, but it trains only half that number. It's fitting that our best and brightest, including those serving as officers or combat soldiers in various sectors, study here instead of going abroad unnecessarily."
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