Medicus joins in celebrating National Rural Health Day, hosted annually by The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), on the third Thursday in November. This day highlights the remarkable commitment of rural healthcare physicians and advanced practitioners, communities, and organizations dedicated to addressing rural America's healthcare needs.

This year's theme, "Innovation in Rural Health Care Delivery," directs our attention to the vital role of rural healthcare physicians and advanced practitioners. These providers work tirelessly to deliver cutting-edge, affordable, coordinated care to the 61 million Americans who proudly call rural communities their home.

Challenges in Rural Healthcare

National Rural Health Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the unique healthcare challenges faced by rural populations and to highlight the innovative solutions being implemented to address them.

Did you know?

  • 86% of the land in the United States falls under the classification of rural areas.
  • Almost 61 million Americans live in rural areas.
  • 70% of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) are situated in rural regions.
  • 17% of individuals in rural areas live at or below the poverty line.

With close to 61 million Americans calling rural areas home and a staggering 70% of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) situated in these regions, the struggle for adequate healthcare remains a pressing concern.

One of the central issues confronting rural healthcare facilities is the persistent need for more qualified healthcare professionals. Only 10% of physicians in the United States practice in rural areas, despite rural populations making up 20% of the U.S. population. This shortage in staffing creates a domino effect, leading to restricted access to healthcare services, prolonged wait times for medical appointments, and ultimately resulting in delayed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and poorer health outcomes for residents.

The Strain on Rural Hospitals

Rural hospitals make up approximately 35% of all healthcare facilities in the United States. However, between 2010 and 2021, 136 rural hospitals closed due to reasons such as a decrease in revenue, geographical barriers, low patient volumes, and more. Despite these closures, many hospitals remain resilient in recognizing the critical role they play in delivering quality care to their local community.

Locum Tenens: Expanding Access to Care

Locum tenens offer an effective solution to rural healthcare staffing shortages. Locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners help bridge coverage gaps and provide immediate relief for permanent providers facing burnout. In addition, locum tenens bring diverse skills and experiences, contributing fresh perspectives to rural healthcare settings and elevating patient care.

Join the Celebration: NOSORH Live Webinar!

As part of the celebration, NOSORH invites you to join their virtual event, "The Power of Rural in Action: CDC and State Strategies for Rural Health," on November 16 from 3-4 PM ET. This informative gathering will explore strategies addressing the well-being of rural Americans on both state and national levels. We invite you to learn more about National Rural Health Day and register for the event here.

Thank you, Rural Healthcare Physicians and Advanced Practitioners!

Thank you to all physicians and advanced practitioners working in rural communities! We are grateful for your steadfast commitment and unwavering dedication to upholding exemplary healthcare standards and ensuring accessible, quality healthcare.

We encourage you to share your stories of impact or stay connected throughout the day on social using the hashtags #PowerOfRural and #NationalRuralHealthDay. For more ways to celebrate, click here!

At Medicus Healthcare Solutions, we take pride in working with locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners who work in rural communities. Your invaluable contributions play a pivotal role in expanding access to healthcare services within rural communities.

If you are interested in supporting rural communities, we welcome you to view our open jobs here.