| The author comments on the future of community medicine and its teaching in light of his analysis of economic projections for the end of this century, the social and technological developments that might be expected, and the possible problems of providing health care at that time. Extrapolation of data on the growth of population and gross national product for a variety of countries indicates that the financial gap between the less-developed and more-developed nations will remain wide and may become wider. The projected changes in government expenditure on health in the less- developed countries will unlikely bring about rapid improvements in their health services - most of these countries will face future health problems because resources will not be markedly improved. Primary health care at the community level will seldom be provided by a physician, unless there is introduction of a high incentive or compulsory, short-term service. Instead, auxiliary health workers will provide most community health services. The system of medical education, therefore, must be prepared for these developments and recognize this division of functions and responsibilities-the auxiliary to cope with the local health problems, the physician to serve as leader and manager as well as clinician. |