How do I get my specialty recognized?
- Anglo Doctor in Israel
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 26
You’ve come at the right time!
As of May 2025, the Health Ministry introduced a new reform called The Green Track (מסלול הירוק), which allows specialists from certain countries to have their specialty recognized without the previous adaptation period (התאמה).
The Green Track cuts bureaucracy, speeds up specialist recognition, and shows the Ministry’s growing support for Olim doctors and their integration into the system.
Who’s eligible?
Trained in: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa
Completed a full-time, continuous and structured residency program similar to Israel’s
Residency duration was at least 70% of the Israeli equivalent (If you don’t meet the 70% criteria, the Scientific Council (המועצה המדעית) may consider allowing post-certification work as a specialist to count toward residency requirements.)
Practiced continuously in the specialty until applying (up to a 5-year gap may be considered by the Waivers Committee (ועדת הפטור))
Hold an official national specialist certificate and passed board exams
Note: If trained in a subspecialty without the base specialty, it may still be recognized if the training equals at least 70% of the required time in Israel.
How do I apply?
When to apply: Officially after receiving your Israeli medical license, but you can begin document evaluation even before Aliyah to save time.
Documents needed:
CV with contact details
MD diploma
Israeli medical license (if available)
Internship certificate (if completed)
Official document detailing residency program details
Board exam proof (if applicable)
Specialist certificate issued by an official body
Post-residency employment records
For surgeons: list of surgical procedures signed by training director
Recommendation letter (if relevant)
Note: Copies must be submitted with notarized translations into Hebrew or English.
What happens next:
The Scientific Council (המועצה המדעית) contacts you for clarifications or missing documents
Waivers Committee (ועד הפטור) reviews your eligibility. An official decision is issued to the online portal.
The Scientific Council (המועצה המדעית) gives final approval and recommends to the Ministry of Health (משרד הבריאות) which doctors are eligible for specialist recognition in Israel.
Ministry of Health (משרד הבריאות) issues the specialist certificate
If criteria aren’t met, the file moves to the standard track for further review by the Scientific Council (המועצה המדעית) or additional requirements.
Apply here:
