Rural Family Physician Shortages Worsen Across U.S.

A recent study in Annals of Family Medicine shows that the share of family physicians practicing in rural areas fell 11% between 2017 and 2023, with the Northeast losing 15.3% and the West only 3.2%. Overall, 1,303 rural family physicians left their roles during this period, raising concerns about healthcare access in these communities.

Even small losses can affect thousands: the departure of 11 doctors in one Western region could impact 16,500–38,500 patients. Contributing factors include burnout, heavy patient loads, and fewer medical students choosing family medicine. Rural areas also rely on international physicians, but recent H-1B visa changes may exacerbate shortages. As young adults increasingly move to rural regions, gaps in primary care access could worsen.

07-12-2025