The prediction of physician retirements in Canada compared to the number of graduates in Canadian medical schools is shown in Figure 1 . E. Ryten, ACMC Forum 1998, 8-17 Another important factor to consider is the trend to an aging of our physician population. Not only will the patient population grow older but the physicians supplying health care to this population will also be aging. There is evidence that physicians in their 60s and 70s are having significant difficulty finding new colleagues to assume their practices. Fortunately, women are increasingly represented in the physician workforce.
Data indicates that female physicians practice fewer hours than their male counterparts.
Women frequently carry the major responsibilities of co-ordinating and providing home support and child care. The pattern of practice is changing for all physicians male and female. Increasingly, physicians are recognizing the need to balance work with family and community needs. The long hours that housestaff have traditionally worked are being questioned. These efforts have resulted in changes in employment contracts for residents.