Ontario’s population is aging rapidly, with the number of adults aged 65 and older projected to exceed 3 million within the next five years. This report assesses whether Ontario’s supply of geriatric-focused physicians is keeping pace with current and future population needs based on older adults’ current health service utilization patterns. Geriatric-focused physicians include geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists, and Care of the Elderly (COE) family physicians.
Key findings include:
- Workforce growth has not kept pace with population aging
- Service volumes of geriatric-focused physicians have increased
- Mid-career physicians carry the highest workloads; younger cohorts contribute lower FTEs
- Projected demand far exceeds anticipated supply
The report notes that “without intervention, Ontario will face worsening shortages in geriatric care” and recommends targeted strategies such as post-graduate training expansion, incentives to encourage specialist involvement in community and residential settings and integrated team-based modes to support system sustainability.
Citation:
Correia RH, Premranjith P, Borrie M, Heckman G, Elliott J, Rahim A, Aelick K, Siu H Y-H, Jones A, Costa AP, Perez R, Kay K. (March 2, 2026). The Supply and Activity of Physicians Providing Specialized and Focused Clinical Services to Older Adults in Ontario. Research report prepared for Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario.
Download the report below