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Physicians who grew up in rural areas are more likely to practice there — and that likelihood jumps significantly if they also trained rurally. A new AAMC-backed study of over 5,500 physicians found that rural origin and rural medical training work together, not independently, to drive rural practice. Experts say a multi-pronged strategy is needed to tackle the looming rural physician shortage.
Rural communities have long struggled to attract and retain physicians, and a new study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on why — and what might actually help. Analyzing data from over 5,500 physicians, researchers from the AAMC found that rural origin and rural medical training don't just independently influence where doctors end up practicing; they work together, compounding each other's effects in ways previous research had missed.
The big finding? Physicians who grew up rurally and completed both undergraduate and graduate medical training in rural settings were projected to spend nearly three-quarters of their careers practicing in rural communities — compared to just 29% for those who grew up rural but trained elsewhere.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Rural communities already face persistent physician shortages, and the gap is only expected to widen. This study makes a compelling case that pipeline programs, rural teaching hospital investments, and federal training grants aren't just nice-to-haves — they're evidence-backed levers for building a sustainable rural workforce.
