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Study Reveals Key Factors Influencing Physician Recruitment in Rural Areas
By Janet Essman Franz, UVM Larner College of Medicine
Despite approximately 20% of Americans residing in rural areas, only 9% of physicians practice there, exacerbating healthcare access issues for these communities. A pilot study conducted by medical students from the University of Vermont (UVM) Larner College of Medicine highlights the motivations driving medical professionals to choose their practice locations, particularly in rural settings.
The research, which emerged from a Public Health Projects course, examined the preferences of family medicine residents and Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) students. Findings suggest personal and lifestyle factors, such as housing affordability, political environment, and community demographics, significantly outweigh financial incentives when selecting a practice location. Notably, exposure to rural healthcare settings during training also plays a critical role in these decisions.
Students Katie Waeldner, Chris Kruglik, Julia Halvorson-Phelan, and Joon Young Lee collaborated with Windham Aging, an advocacy group focused on older Vermonters, to explore these dynamics. Their study, published in Cureus: Journal of Medical Science on October 20, 2024, reveals that many rural communities, particularly those with aging populations, face heightened challenges attracting young doctors.
"We hope our research inspires academic administrators to enhance rural primary care experiences during medical training," Waeldner stated. Their findings were presented at the 2023 Health Equity Summit and the American Medical Association Research Challenge, emphasizing the importance of integrating rural clinical rotations in medical training programs.
Course director Dr. Jan K. Carney underscored that such projects enable medical students to understand community health needs better, essential for advancing health equity in Vermont. Current UVM students are involved in various public health initiatives, aiming for broader healthcare solutions, including telehealth access and addressing barriers to cancer treatment in rural populations.
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Photo credit vermontbiz.com
