Young physicians and changes in medical practice characteristics between 1975 and 1987.

This article examines the proposition that an increasing representation in the total physician population has subjected young physicians to "baby boom" cohort effects seen in the general population. Analyzing comparative changes in income and other medical practice characteristics between 1975 and 1987, we find moderate evidence to support this proposition, particularly when specialty selection and changes in the income distribution are taken into account. Young male physicians experienced a significant income decline, as did certain specialties. Other characteristics also suggest that young physicians are working relatively harder now than a decade ago. However, the income decline for young physicians is smaller than for other baby boomers.