ABSTRACT

The number of specialists in pulmonary medicine in Mexico is bellowing the minimal recommendations with an inappropriate geographical distribution between the states and the cities. In this study, we evaluated the respirologist growth in the past 15 years. Moreover, the geographical distribution of specialists by the states and cities with a population higher than 100 thousand people was explored. We analyzed the professional residence of all respirologist with a full membership registered in the database of the Mexican Respiratory Society. A total of 775 respirologists were professionally found in Mexico; among these specialists, only 105 were pediatric pulmunologist. The current number of respirologist represents 74% more specialists compared with those registered in 1995 (446 physicians). The respirologist annual growth rate was in average 22 physicians. Almost one half of all specialists in pulmonary medicine (373) are employed in Mexico City. By contrast, there are none o very few specialists in some states in Mexico and in many big cities. Estimations in the population growth, particularly people older than 65 years may forecast a higher demand for medical services, including pulmonary medicine. In conclusion, despite the growth in respirologists during the past 15 years, pulmonary medicine supply is still bellow the minimal recommendations in Mexico. Moreover, there is an inappropriate geographical distribution of specialists between the states and the cities. The enrolment of trainees should be considerably increased in the next few years; otherwise the scarce of respiratory medical supply will persist for many years.

KEYWORDS

Medical education, human resources for health, health services, medical employment.

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