What Makes Rural Healthcare a Smart Choice for Residents

The Top 4 Reasons Why Residents Can Thrive in Rural Healthcare Jobs

1. Meaning and Growth: New physicians can build rich connections and get on a fast-track for leadership roles

A physician in an underserved area is often one of a handful of doctors in the region. While 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural communities, only 11% of physicians practice in these communities. Choosing to be a rural physician allows you to make an immediate and lasting impact on the community's health.

“There is a real, personal connection to the people and the job in a rural community,” says Mike Shimmens, executive director of 3RNET, the nation’s leading resource for health professionals seeking rural job opportunities. “You can see and understand the impact you have and really have the feeling that you are making a difference.”

Working in a rural area can allow you to become a community leader. Shimmens says it’s common for rural providers to teach school children about nutrition, serve as team physicians for high school sports or volunteer at free clinics — roles that can bring fulfillment while supporting community health.

A rural setting also lends itself to building leaders in the workplace. Doctors can often rise to leadership positions faster than they could in urban health systems. Whether it’s heading up an initiative or participating in system-wide decision-making, rural providers frequently have a seat at the table. This can fast-track a path toward roles like medical director, department chair or faculty lead.