Doctors today and tomorrow

In the realm of physician workforce planning, the proof of his statement lies in the cycles of shortages and surpluses of physicians in British Columbia over the years. [...] Moreover, the health care system continues to face growing pressures from the increasing complexity of patient case-mix, the resulting demand for more physician time and services, the ongoing evolution of the practice of medicine, and the changing demographics of the physician population. [...] Among the most significant recommendations of the paper are: •. Establishing a multi-stakeholder provincial committee led by the BCMA, Ministry of Health, and the health authorities to direct and coordinate the development of physician resource plans and to identify short- and long- term physician resource priorities. [...] The future need of physicians is influenced by the political and social choices that underlie the health care system, and how the future role of the physician is defined. [...] Recommendation 8 The Ministry of Health and the health authorities should ensure adequate resources and coordination for the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of physician recruitment and retention programs Recommendation 9 The Ministry of Health and the BCMA, in conjunction with the health authorities, should develop strategies to support the retention of physicians who are near