Report of the Louisiana Statewide Planning for Physician Residency Program Committee.

Preceding the body of the report, a brief review of the literature is provided to acquaint the reader with similarities and differences between national and local trends regarding the demographic characteristics of the physician population. The goal of the statewide residency study was to develop a strategy for the design and allocation of physician residencies consistent with statewide needs. A graphic model of the physician manpower production process was developed which enhanced understanding of the manpower problems facing Louisiana. Through the model, available data, and personal interviews with senior medical students and postgraduate trainees, data were compiled and analyzed regarding the need for physicians in Louisiana in 1982, where and how the number of physicians can be increased, the status of primary care treatment, likely sites for practicing physicians, and related concerns. The general conclusions point to several significant manpower production problems in Louisiana in its preparation for future needs for physician services. The study committee proposed several recommendations to meet the problem. (Appendixes contain supplementary tables and interview forms.) (AG)