Evidence on the physician shortage

This paper reviews recent studies of physician shortages and evaluates their methodologies and results. The question of 'What is meant by a health manpower shortage?' is examined. The ratio of physician to population, the relative income, and the internal rate of return as approaches to determining shortages are discussed and evaluated. The author recommends future attention to be given to the problem of inadequate geographic distribution, the definition of 'crisis' dimension of the shortage, and a conclusive analysis of a future or current shortage. He suggests that components of future studies include the concept of a generalized production function for physicians' services and the inclusion of national health insurance.