The shortage of rural family physicians in the United States worsened between 2017 and 2023, with a net loss of 1,303 doctors (11%). Researchers counted 11,847 rural family physicians in 2017 and 10,544 in 2023. The West had the smallest percentage loss, 67 physicians (3.2%), while the Northeast had the largest percentage loss, 193 physicians (15.3%).
At the same time, people aged 25–44 are moving to rural areas at the highest rate in nearly a century. Since 2020, two-thirds of growth in this age group occurred in smaller cities and rural counties. Remote work and the attractions of country life help explain the shift, but access to care is not keeping pace.
Family physicians often manage panels of 1,000 to 3,500 patients, so when a physician leaves patients may travel farther or rely on overburdened colleagues. Authors say broad clinical duties, overwork and burnout lead some physicians to relocate or retire early. Fewer US medical students choose family medicine, and visa uncertainty affects international graduates who fill some gaps. The study used the AMA Physician Masterfile and appears in the Annals of Family Medicine. Observers point to supports for working parents, better boundaries, higher pay, advanced practice providers and targeted training as possible responses.
Difficult words
- physician — A doctor who provides medical care.physicians
- shortage — Not enough of something that is needed.
- access — The ability to use or reach something.
- burnout — Feeling tired and overwhelmed from work.
- encouraging — Giving hope or support.
- retention — Keeping or holding onto people or things.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What could be done to attract more medical students to family medicine?
- How can rural healthcare be improved in the future?
- What impact do you think female physicians have on rural communities?
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