Getting the balance right between generalism and specialisation - does remuneration matter?
BACKGROUND
Remuneration has been cited as a factor influencing the distribution of doctors between generalist and specialist roles.


OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence on earnings differentials between specialists and GPs, and suggest possible policy responses.


CONCLUSIONS
Specialists earn almost twice as much as GPs but only half of this difference can be explained by differences in their characteristics. Evidence suggests that expected future earnings, together with a range of other factors, influence specialty choice. Directly altering relative earnings may be difficult, but greater targeted investment in primary care is more achievable to help shift the balance.
PhD, ARC Future Fellow and Professorial Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, VIC.
Anthony
A
Scott
D001315:Australia; D002321:Career Choice; D005245:Fee Schedules; D005380:Financing, Government; D058006:General Practice / Q000191:economics*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics; D060926:Remuneration; D013038:Specialization / Q000191:economics*; D000078329:Workforce