Family physicians: supply and demand

Abstract

The nation's supply of family physicians as estimated by the Graduate Medical Education National Advisory Committee appears fairly accurate. At the same time, the demands for family physicians appear to be strong, partially because case-management systems recognize the cost-effectiveness and appropriate training of family physicians for their needs. The largest factor inhibiting the supply of such physicians appears to be the relatively lower income of family practice compared to other specialty fields. This creates more difficulties in funding training positions and may limit the attractiveness of the field to medical school graduates.