Neurologists--1990.

The American Medical Association Physician Masterfile for 1990 contains 13,705 physicians who consider neurology their primary, secondary, or tertiary specialty. Of these, 7,036 are board certified and 10,065 designated neurology as their primary specialty. Although there has been a steady increase in the number of women, the vast majority of neurologists are men and less than 50 years old. Two-thirds provide direct patient care as their major activity and 15% are in training. There are almost as many neurologists employed by hospitals, medical schools, and government entities (40%) as there are working alone or in group practice (48%). The actual number of neurologists is compared with earlier projections of neurology needs for 1990. Since forecasts, in the absence of more detailed information, can become the reality of public policy decisions, neurologists will need to become increasingly informed about the many unique benefits they provide to their patients.