Geographic Maldistribution of Physicians in Japan : Increasing the Number of Generalists is One Solution

Abstract

Despite massive intervention from Japan's national and local governments, the skewed distribution of physicians remains a serious social problem. This review paper summarizes past literature and proposes a future strategy to deal with this sophisticated issue based on scientific evidence. There are several ways to achieve a more balanced distribution, the most feasible of which is to increase the number of generalists. This increase might be imminent with the establishment of a formal board certification for general practitioners (sougou‐shinryou‐i) and raising the number of rural subquota (chiikiwaku) entrants to medical school. All the stakeholders should co‐operate to take advantage of this great opportunity to increase the number of generalist physicians and solve Japan's distribution problem.