Private Practice: Most chiropractors in Israel work privately. Anyone who has graduated from an accredited chiropractic college is entitled to open a private practice and set fees. When you have a private practice, you see patients on a strictly private basis. In certain areas, if you have an agreement with a Kupah (health fund), you can receive members of a Kupah who pay a discounted fee. There are many practices that combine the two. Some practices include more than one chiropractor, and new Olim might prefer to join an existing practice rather than starting a new practice.

Kupot Cholim: Some chiropractors work for the Kupot, though the number of available positions is very limited. In most cases, chiropractors working for the Kupah must treat patients at the Kupat Cholim offices (and not in their own offices), in order to be covered.

Each of the four health funds, Meuhedet, Macabbi, Clalit and Leumit has branches throughout the country. The differences between the health funds lie mainly in the location of their facilities, the types of supplemental policies offered, and additional services offered within the framework of their facilities. Most large cities have a clinic in almost every district.

One way to begin looking for work is to directly contact your local health funds. In addition, speak to other chiropractors in your area to learn more about employment options. For a full listing of Israeli chiropractors, phone 1-800-658000.

Job opportunities are also listed online through the Israeli Chiropractic Society (click Atar L’Rof’im, on the bottom left). Note: This section of the site is limited to paid members of the Society.

If you are opening your own practice, word of mouth is one of the best resources. In addition, community email lists and local bulletins are helpful in publicizing your services. Writing a column for a local newspaper is a good way to establish your name in the community. As with most private practices, it is helpful to have a niche market, such as sports medicine or pediatrics.

A good working knowledge of Hebrew is essential. It is strongly advised to study Hebrew before you arrive and then to take Ulpan upon arrival. Even where a chiropractor works entirely with speakers of his/her mother tongue, it is still necessary to deal with the various agencies that make up the Israeli medical network. For a full listing of Ulpan options, see the Ulpan Guide.

In addition to regular Ulpan, Misrad HaKlita offers an Ulpan for medical professionals – Shlav Bet. The class opens provided there are enough people who are interested. Be in touch with your local branch of Misrad HaKlita to find out when the next class will begin.

Interview with Dr. Aryeh Tawil

What is your current position?
I am a chiropractor in a private practice. When I opened up a practice, I gave lectures, and along with word of mouth, I got my name out there.

What degree should someone making Aliyah come with, in order to break into your field?
In order to practice Chiropractic in Israel you must have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a school recognized by the country where the degree was granted.

Does it make any difference whether you studied in Israel or abroad?
There are no chiropractic programs in Israel, so you have to study abroad.

What are the benefits of working in your field?
In a private practice you are independent. You are responsible for your own income and hours.

What is the salary range?
In a private practice, the salary depends on how many patients you see. Most Israeli chiropractors work privately.

The Kupot do employ some chiropractors, the chiropractors at Kupot work as caregivers, not doctors. They work under an orthopedist. If you are working for a Kupah, the salary is 5-10,000 shekels a month.

Is there a professional organization in your field?
You should join the ICS (Israel Chiropractic Society).

What recommendations can you offer Olim looking to work in this field?
It is important to know Hebrew.

How is working as a chiropractor different in Israel than it is in America?
In Israel, the patients are more challenging because they tend to wait until their conditions are more serious before coming in for help. On the business end, Israel has a VAT (Value Added Tax on goods and services) and it is necessary to have a bookkeeper on the payroll to handle monthly taxes. Doctors are also required to keep a doctor’s log for every patient that they see. I would recommend speaking to an accountant before opening a practice.

Thank you to Dr. Tawil for participating in this interview.