Physician Distribution Across Metropolitan Areas

This paper examines the effects of demographic and ecological variables on the distribution of physicians in greater American metropolises. The physicians considered are those in full-time, nonfederal private practice in 1966. By disaggregating the total body of physicians into general practitioners and six medical specially groups it was possible to better specify the factors that should influence their distribution. The communities considered are those 22 SMSAs with a population of over 1 million. Number of physicians is regressed on population size, and the resulting residuals are examined in terms of indicators of four factors thought to influence physician supply. Indicators of three of these factors medical need, access to medical care, and the presence of alternative sources of medical care are shown to be associated with the distribution of physician categories considered. The policy implications of these findings and their relevance to ecological theory are discussed.