Doctors in Canada: The Changing World of Medical Practice

by Bernard Blishen

Overview

Through the twentieth century, the nature of medical practice has changed more quickly, more dramatically, and far more publicly than that of any other profession in Canada. In this study Bernard Blishen identifies the social and political pressures on the medical profession and assesses how it has responded to them.

Among the changes doctors have confronted are third-party pressures from government and hospital bureaucracies, greater public knowledge, improved technology, recognition of patients’ rights, and legal challenges. Blishen discusses how the doctors achieved dominance in the health field, reviews demographic changes within the profession and the larger population, examines data on the changing health status of Canadians, and charts physician supply against patient demand. He finds that the chief source of his profession’s collegial strength has been the homogeneity of its membership. This homogeneity is declining with increasing numbers of women and ethnic groups in the profession and increasing specialization.

Blishen offers a comprehensive, quantified overview of a profession in transition, and suggests the implications of its changes for all Canadians.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802068668
Publisher:	University of Toronto Press
Publication date:	01/01/1991
Pages:	195
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.48(d)

About the Author

Bernard R. Blishen is Professor Emeritus of Sociology, York University.

Editorial Reviews

A comprehensive survey of how the medical profession in Canada has been changing throughout the 20th century. Identifies pressure from the government and the public, technology, the sapping of the profession's demographic homegeneity, and other factors. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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