This report, based on information gained from multiple surveys of physicians conducted since 1980, addresses a number of basic public policy questions regarding physician manpower supply and distribution in the state of New York. The report's primary focus is longitudinal, attempting to identify patterns and trends among New York State's physicians; it also presents estimates of the number of active physicians as of September 30, 1990. Also provided are comparisons of age and geographic locations of respondents and nonrespondents, as well as statistical analyses concerning physician characteristics, where they received their medical education, and the numbers entering the various types of practice specialties. Among the findings obtained from the statistics are the following: (1) the number of practicing New York State physicians who graduated from foreign medical schools equals the number who were trained in New York medical schools; (2) since 1965, the number of physicians practicing in New York State has increase substantially; (3) it is estimated that there are 300 physicians per 100,000 New York residents; and (4) the largest practice specialty of New York State physicians is general internal medicine. Twenty-six figures, 5 maps, and 13 tables illustrate the data. Appendices include the survey instrument, and tables providing additional comparisons by race, gender, and location. (GLR)