Masa Program Expands Medical Recruitment to Latin America
The Masa-Doctors program is expanding from the former Soviet Union to Latin America to recruit Jewish physicians, aiming to combat Israel's acute medical personnel shortage.
After years of focusing on Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union, the "Masa-Doctors" program is setting its sights on Latin America. Amid alarming data concerning the acute shortage of medical personnel in Israel and the phenomenon of doctors leaving for abroad, the Masa organization is launching an unprecedented initiative to recruit Jewish physicians from South America.
The first cohort of the new track is scheduled to land in Israel this coming December, with the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba already making active preparations for their initial reception. To date, the program has achieved impressive results in the former Soviet Union, with some 1,200 qualified doctors arriving in the country.
Comprehensive Support and Professional Integration
According to official organization data, the retention rate of graduates is exceptionally high, with about 95% choosing to remain in Israel permanently and successfully integrating into the healthcare system, hospitals, and health maintenance organizations across the country.
"For years, we have seen how the 'Masa-Doctors' program successfully turns an emotional connection with Israel into a professional and personal future here," said Meir Holtz, CEO of Masa. "The 1,200 doctors who have already integrated into the Israeli healthcare system are living proof of the power of this model."
The registration process for the new dedicated track is already underway. Selected participants arriving in the country for an extended period will undergo a comprehensive preparation framework, which includes:
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Intensive Hebrew language studies tailored to the professional medical world.
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Dedicated preparation for Israeli licensing exams required to practice medicine locally.
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Workshops and an in-depth introduction to the structure and operation of the local healthcare system.
Expanding Horizons in Healthcare
In addition to the professional support provided in Beersheba and Soroka Medical Center, the program will also feature professional tours of other hospitals across the country. This exposes participants to a variety of medical institutions and allows them to evaluate their future integration paths.
Holtz added that expanding the program to Latin America now opens the door to another large community of young, excellent Jewish doctors. By doing so, the initiative bridges the real and immediate need of Israel's healthcare system with talented young people wishing to live in and contribute to the country.
