At last medical schools are  graduating many more female doctors. However, a considerable number of young doctors begin families soon after setting up a practice, and that is certainly their prerogative. By that time they are generally well into the child bearing years leading to maternity leaves which create less availability. Many female practitioners choose to reduce office hours or leave for extensive periods. This factor coupled with retiring 'boomer' physicians is making  the family doctor an elusive entity for many people.

Limiting the number of medical graduates benefits only those physicians already in practice. This needs to change.