A growing and aging population will contribute to the overall increase in the number of physicians needed, especially in underserved areas, such as inner city and rural areas. Outstanding career opportunities can be found in these locations. Because of efforts nationally to control health care costs and limitations on use of specialty services, a lower number of specialists will be in demand. Therefore, prospects are best for those choosing general or internal medicine, as well as geriatric and pediatric medicine. However, unlike the situation several decades ago, physicians face radically different choices of where and how to practice as new patterns of practice are becoming the norm. Physicians may choose from a variety of settings such as working in a managed care system (HMO, PPO), a clinic, hospital, laboratory, industrial, or military venues, or in a combination of these. Physicians are currently becoming more attuned to health promotion and prevention of disease by providing education and information to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles.