INTRODUCTION: This article analyses the medical demography data in France, particularly the situation concerning lung specialists. METHODS: Study of the published data, particularly institutional reports (Ministry of Health, Sickness Insurance). RESULTS: The demography is characterised by important differences between specialties, regions, and salaried and private practice, as well as the effects of ageing and the increasing numbers of female practitioners. Lung specialists are, on average, younger and more evenly distributed between the different types of practice. Nevertheless they risk experiencing the same difficulties as other specialties in responding to the needs of the French population. The principle proposals of the public authorities concern the restriction of numbers, the regulation of established specialists and new methods of access to the speciality. CONCLUSIONS: Medical demography has a major role in the future of the French health care system.