The shortage of primary care family physicians in the United States increased from 2017 to 2023. Researchers counted 11,847 rural family physicians in 2017 and 10,544 in 2023, a net loss of 1,303 (11%).
Regionally, the West lost 67 rural family physicians (3.2%) and the Northeast lost 193 (15.3%). Since 2020, two-thirds of growth in people aged 25-44 occurred in smaller cities and rural counties. Remote work and country life attract people, but medical access is not keeping pace.
Family physicians usually care for 1,000 to 3,500 patients, so losing one doctor can leave many without nearby care. Causes include overwork, fewer US students choosing family medicine, and uncertainty about visas for international graduates. The study used the AMA Physician Masterfile and appears in the Annals of Family Medicine.
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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