The demand for physicians in Finland. Results from a specialty-based assessment of future development and need for service.

This paper presents a nation-wide planning project conducted in cooperation with the specialists' associations, the Finnish Medical Association and the Speciality Commission of the National Board of Health. An estimation of the demand for physicians in primary care, in various specialties and in non-hospital sectors is reported and discussed. As a result of the study, a reduction in the number of admissions to medical schools is recommended. An increase in postgraduate educational efforts, in research and development, and in continuing medical education should be the result of resources, thus made available.