The medical profession in 2015

French medicine is entering a time of change, the effects of which are likely to peak in 2015, particularly because of the decline in medical demographics, increased use of technical means, and the continuing rise in health care costs. Deep reform of the whole healthcare system is needed, based on priorities defined from the needs of the entire population. Primary care organization is the first short-term priority. It involves grouping together healthcare professionals in order to facilitate patients' access to care in general and, particularly, to create permanently staffed healthcare facilities. It will also be necessary to create a first-tier hospital network able to handle any health emergency within three hours. These reforms will require major changes in medical education. The present method of student selection is unsatisfactory. The educational program for general practitioners is not adapted to their specific tasks. The definition of many specialties and the corresponding educational needs will have to be rethought. Last, ways must be found to reduce income disparities among doctors.