Figure 3

Increase in female physicians and the effect on the number of physicians. Estimates are presented of the number of physicians per target population by selected specialty using three scenarios regarding female physicians: 1) the future percentage of new female physicians remains at the current level; 2) it increases to 40% in 10 years; and 3) it increases to 50% in 10 years. a) The total number of physicians per 1000 population by 2036 is expected to reach around 3.2 for the current level, 3.2 for the 40% female scenario, and 3.14 in the 50% female scenario. The number of b) internists and c) surgeons and per 1000 population are expected to decrease as the percentage of female physicians increases in all three scenarios. The numbers of d) pediatricians per 1000 population under 15 years of age and e) OB/GYNs per 1000 births are expected to increase as the percentage of female physician increases.