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The diffusion of physicians
Thomas C Ricketts1, Randy Randolph
1American College of Surgeons Policy Research Institute, Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, USA. tom_ricketts@unc.edu
Abstract:
Physicians move from place to place over their careers; this is thought to reflect the economic theory that they seek better opportunities to practice. Using national data, this study tracked physician movement between counties classified by physician-to-population ratio and socioeconomic characteristics. Approximately one-quarter of practicing physicians moved in each of two ten-year periods, 1981-1991 and 1991-2001. The overall tendency of movers was to go to places with lower physician-to-population ratios but higher per capita incomes and lower unemployment. These trends, if they continue, may help decrease access to physician care in rural and urban underserved areas.
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