And to add to this we are heading into an era of what appears to be declining reimbursements. If not declining, then there certainly have not been increases com

And to add to this we are heading into an era of what appears to be declining reimbursements. If not declining, then there certainly have not been increases commensurate with increases in the cost of training. Students are always told there will be a shortage of primary care physicians. I was told the same in the mid 90's as a student. Just because there's a shortage, however, it does not mean that "increased" demand has resulted in increase reimbursements for primary care physicians. Instead, the trend has been the growth of nurse practicioners and physicians assistants assuming greater responsibilities for care, at a much lower cost. So if you are medical student now, my advice would to practice, of course, whatever specialty makes you happy, but don't fall for the shortage of primary care providers schtick - if that's the reason you choose primary care, you will be disappointed.