There are increased demands for physician services arising from increased knowledge and new technology. Research and health promotion have enhanced the health care needs of the population. Examples include orthopedic surgery where joint replacement has become common and wait list pressures are increasing.
Similar pressures exist for by-pass surgery for coronary artery disease.
In addition, a number of new diseases have increased demands on the physician supply, e.g. AIDS and hepatitis C. Finally, the improved treatment and outcomes in areas such as trauma and cancer have increased the demand for health care providers and other resources. This has increased the physician office visits and telephone consultation and advice to patients, families, and home care nurses. This effect has been particularly noted by the primary care providers. Population growth in Canada is continuing at approximately 300-350 thousand per year. In the 1990s the population growth and physician workforce increased at almost equal rates.