They are only 23 years old, yet within months these four young Israelis will qualify as medical doctors—part of an special group of just 70 students in the prestigious Tzameret track, chosen from over 1,000 applicants.
Run jointly by the Ministry of Defence, the IDF Medical Corps and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tzameret trains top physicians for military service and, later, the Israeli healthcare system. Students receive specialist training in military leadership, trauma care and field medicine, alongside civilian clinical placements. After six years of study, graduates become IDF officers and serve as military doctors across units nationwide.
This year’s final‑year cohort, however, faces an unprecedented reality: as soon as they graduate, they will immediately enter reserve service due to the ongoing conflict. Four of them — referred to here as R, N, M and D to protect their identities — visited the UK for an accelerated emergency medicine course at Birmingham University Hospital. Their visit was marked by a warm London reception hosted by Ruth and Noam Tamir, attended by guests from medical professions.
Speaking about their motivations, the students described aspirations shaped by volunteering with Magen David Adom, growing up in non-academic families, and personal experiences in hospitals.
“I take great pride in serving my country and community,” said M. “Joining Tzameret was the natural path for me,” added D.
In Birmingham, they observed UK emergency teams in action, comparing systems and noting lessons Israel could adopt, such as the efficiency of A&E patient flow. The trip also brought personal challenges, from mixed public reactions to their Israeli military identities, to the need for caution in unfamiliar environments.
Back home, their studies continued despite war-related disruptions. As the army urgently needed medical personnel, Tzameret’s final year began as planned, with students frequently called to reserve duty — sometimes for months. Assignments included interviewing wounded soldiers to improve battlefield care, documenting injuries in real time for field medics, and working in specialist PTSD units. “This is the first war where mental health has been addressed directly and in real time,” noted N.
Looking ahead, they know their roles will be broad — caring for hundreds of soldiers as their primary physicians, and at times also treating civilians, even in remote or high‑risk areas.
“Being in the army means more life for everyone,” R reflected.
We wish these remarkable future doctors the very best for their continued service — and thank Ruth and Noam Tamir for their warm hospitality during this inspiring visit.