Specialty Recognition

specialty
Recognition

As you may have heard, the IMA has started to waive the Hatama requirement in many situations. However – this is not a blanket exemption. Certain cases still may require a Hatama period. Even if you think you are eligible for the exemption, you still need to upload paperwork to the portal and officially apply for specialty recognition through the IMA.

Israel Medical Association (IMA)

The Scientific Council (Moetza Mada’it) of the IMA is responsible for board/specialty certification. Specialty recognition is a separate application from the general Ministry of Health medical licensing process. You can apply to both the Ministry of Health for medical licensure and the IMA for specialty recognition at the same time.

To visit the IMA portal – CLICK HERE
Please open your file there.

We’ve created a step-by-step guide to work you through the process – You can access that guide HERE. If you need further help, please contact us at medpro@nbn.org.il.

Important notes before we begin

The IMA evaluates everyone on a case-by-case basis. Certain cases may be approved for the Green Track, which is a new protocol of the IMA that offers leniencies in specialty recognition requirements to some applicants. If the IMA confirms that you are approved for the Green Track, you will receive an official letter from them. At the end of that letter there will be a link – once you receive your Israeli medical license, please submit it to the IMA at this link in order for your specialty certificate to be issued.

If you are not approved for the Green Track, you will need to do Hatama. Certain cases may also be required to sit for Israeli specialty exams, for further observed work, or complete additional residency time. Be in touch with your IMAP representative if you have any specific questions regarding your IMA application.

Please note: the IMA may request that you sit for written and oral exams (similar to residency exams). These exams are referred to as Stage I (written) and Stage II (oral) exams, and they are held in Hebrew only. Many people receive exemptions from these exams.

HATAMA

To obtain a specialty license in Israel, specialists must undergo Hatama (formerly known as Histaklut), an adaptation period in a recognized department lasting 1 to 6 months.

To see this list for approved departments (Hebrew) where you can complete your Hatama – CLICK HERE
Reach out to us at medpro@nbn.org.il for help navigating this list.

Hatama is crucial for specialists to learn, network, and integrate into the Israeli medical system. It covers medical basics, Hebrew language improvement, and gives your the opportunity to showcase your expertise in the desired specialty. The IMA closely observes specialists during Hatama and provides guidelines and instructions to the director. Your specialty certificate is dependent on your Hatama experience, so take it seriously!

Note: Verification of the following vaccinations is required prior to beginning Hatama:

Hepatitis B (including antibody level)
MMRV
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis
Polio
PPD (within 2 years)

For all questions regarding your rights, benefits, and salary expectations during Hatama, please be in touch with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Olim Physician Directorate at med_aliyah@moia.gov.il

The IMA Scientific Council’s decision regarding Hatama is valid for five years. If you made Aliyah five years after receiving your letter about your Hatama, you will need to apply to have the decision renewed.

Documents needed after Hatama to be recognized as a specialist

Once you finish your Hatama, submit the following forms to the Scientific Council at the IMA in order to complete the process:

A signed form from the head of the department (where you did your Hatama) stating that you have completed your Hatama. Please make sure the beginning and end dates of your Hatama period are mentioned in the form.
A form asking to be recognized as a specialist. To print the form, click here.
Payment for recognition of your specialty. For details, click here. If you need further assistance, call 03-610-0444.
Please submit a copy of your Ministry of Health license to anna@ima.org.il

For further information or assistance, please contact us at: medpro@nbn.org.il