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Trends in the physician workforce, 1980-2000
Edward S Salsberg1, Gaetano J Forte
1Center for Health Workforce Studies, University at Albany, State University of New York, USA.
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|September 13, 2002
Summary
This paper examines physician workforce trends over twenty years, addressing physician supply, international medical graduates, primary care mix, diversity, rural physician shortages, and the impact of female physicians.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Medical Education
- Public Health
Background:
- The United States has faced persistent challenges in physician workforce planning for over two decades.
- Key issues include physician supply, the role of international medical graduates, and specialty distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze physician workforce trends over the past twenty years.
- To examine the evolution of critical physician workforce issues in the U.S.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national physician workforce data over a twenty-year period.
- Review of trends related to physician production, international medical graduates, and specialty mix.
Main Results:
- Documented trends in the overall physician supply and the proportion of international medical graduates.
- Observed shifts in the primary care versus non-primary care physician mix.
- Examined progress and challenges in increasing diversity and rural physician availability.
Conclusions:
- Physician workforce dynamics have evolved significantly over the past two decades.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for effective health policy and planning.
- Addressing physician supply, distribution, and diversity remains a key public health imperative.