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Family Doctor Shortages in Rural America Are Getting Worse
Rural physician shortages worsen access to primary and emergency care amid rising rural population; Northeast losses reach 15.3%, study finds.
- Researchers in the Annals of Family Medicine reported a 11% decline in rural family physicians from 148 in 2017 to 131 in 2023, as of November 24, 2025.
- Fogarty and colleagues say heavy caseloads and multi-role duties cause burnout, while fewer U.S. students choose family medicine and visa concerns worry international medical graduates.
- The study shows female rural family physicians rose from 35.5% to 41.8%, while patient panels of 1,000–3,500 mean losing one doctor disrupts local clinics.
- Remaining clinicians provide emergency and maternity care, and Fogarty said, `The data reflect what we already experience and know about physician shortages, but the year-over-year numbers for rural areas were astonishing to me.`
- Training pipeline data show the 2025 National Resident Matching Program added 148 family medicine positions but 21 fewer students matched, signaling uncertain short-term gains, while the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry develops a rural residency training track.
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Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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