A Macro Approach to the Explanation of Physician Distribution in Canada

Physician distribution is influenced by complex factors. It is generally argued that the probability of physician increase will be greater in areas that have more to offer in the way of social and economic advantages, This study examines the effects of selected demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors (e.g., population size, percent university educated, and hospital bed/population ratio) on the spatial distribution of physicians, using data for "active" civilian physicians obtained from Health and Welfare Canada. The findings indicate that the variable "percentage university educated" is the most important factor influencing physician distribution, once demographic and environmental factors are controlled. The higher the educational level of the population, the higher the physician/population ratio and the higher the proportion of children under age 5, the lower the physician/population ratio. Findings provide evidence of a concentration of physicians in high-status areas. A pattern of larger relative dispersion was also observed for physician/population ratios across areas for suburban dwellers.