More Physicians Alone Won’t Solve Rural America’s Health Care Problems

Authors

Atul Grover, AAMC Research and Action InstituteFollow

Author Credentials

Atul Grover, MD, PhD, Executive Director, AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) Research and Action Institute

Keywords

Rural Health, Health Policy, Health Outcomes

Disciplines

Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental and Social Health

Abstract

Policymakers have voiced their hope that locating family doctors and other primary care physicians within rural communities would, by itself, improve the health status of rural residents. However, access does not necessarily translate to better health. Rural populations face disproportionately worse health outcomes and inequities compared to urban populations. To improve the health care of rural America, it is critical to define—and periodically reassess—the problem and identify varying targeted policies.

Recommended Citation

Grover A. More Physicians Alone Won’t Solve Rural America’s Health Care Problems. Marshall J Med. 2024; 10(1) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1437.