North Dakota can look to other rural states for solutions to doctor shortage

North Dakota can look to other rural states for solutions to doctor shortage

North Dakota is on track to have a shortage of 500 doctors by 2040. We rank 37th in the nation in doctor-to-patient ratio, and the situation is especially dire in rural areas. Of our 53 counties, 46 are federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. These aren’t just statistics. Pregnant women are traveling hours for prenatal care. Mental health services are scarce, contributing to one of the highest suicide rates in the country. An…