Bumjo (Kevin) Park

This paper explores the utilization of and spatial accessibility to Korean-speaking family physicians among Korean immigrants in the City of Toronto and Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). The Korean immigrants are the 5th largest immigrant groups in Canada and, the City of Toronto and Hamilton CMA are the two areas where Korean immigrants mostly settle in Ontario. The study uses a mixed-method approach to some extent combining quantitative and qualitative methods to explore how Korean immigrants utilize family physicians. The primary data are obtained from two non-random surveys and one focus group to explore Korean immigrants' experience in using family physician in Canada. The secondary data are obtained from College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) in 2005 and geo-referenced 2001 and 2006 Canadian Census. Spatial (mis) match between the residential distribution of Korean immigrants and the distribution of Korean-speaking family physician is examined to gain insight on the spatial equity of health services across the two study areas The two-step floating catchment area (2SFCi\) model is employed as the main analytical tool to calculate spatial accessibility for Korean immigrants to Korean-speaking family physicians. In addition, a Location-Allocation model using Maximum covering solution is used to select the most suitable new Korean-speaking family physician office in two study areas. The study suggests a certain degree of spatial inequality among Korean immigrants in accessing linguistically matched family physician. This study contributes to the existing literature on immigrant health and spatial accessibility and yields important methodological and policy implications.