A new study shows a serious problem: there are fewer family physicians in rural parts of the US. From 2017 to 2023, there was an 11% decrease in rural family doctors. The Northeast had the largest loss, while the West had the fewest losses.
Young adults are moving to rural areas, seeking a new lifestyle. However, with fewer doctors available, they may struggle to find medical care. Family physicians carry a large number of patients, so losing even one doctor affects the entire community.
Several factors contribute to this situation, including job stress and fewer medical students choosing family medicine as a career.
Difficult words
- physician — A doctor who treats patients.physicians
- rural — Relating to the countryside, not cities.
- decrease — A reduction in size or amount.
- community — A group of people living together.
- contribute — To help cause or bring about something.
- lifestyle — The way a person lives.
- stress — A feeling of emotional or mental pressure.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think are some reasons for the decrease in family physicians?
- How does having fewer doctors affect a community?
- What can be done to attract more medical students to family medicine?
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