Medical manpower projections and proposals: the federal/provincial/territorial report and its implications for family physicians.

The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Advisory Committee on Health Manpower has projected a surplus of 4,870 family physicians in Canada by the year 2000. Among the committee's recommendations are proposals to reduce the number of family physicians in the future, and to decrease the undergraduate enrollment in Canadian medical schools by 17%. Too many physicians could lead to excessive costs for the government, and to overservicing, underemployment, low morale, and decreased incomes for physicians themselves. A shortfall in physician supply is easily overcome by opening the doors to immigrant physicians. However, quality of care may be sacrificed. The status and quality of family practice will be directly affected by the action ensuing from the advisory committee's report.