Strategies for a statewide approach to improving geographic distribution of health professionals.
A combination of several educational strategies for improving the distribution of physicians and other health professionals is proposed as a coordinated state-level approach designed to achieve equitable access to health care in rural areas. The strategies in place in South Carolina are described to exemplify the concept and potential of such an approach. A unique characteristic is the suggestion that state health planners and sparsely populated rural communities accept as reality that health professionals, in general, and physicians, in particular, are unlikely to remain permanently in such communities and that communities institute procedures for a planned turnover that will assure continuity of the service rather than of the individual practitioner. Rural practice fellowship and rural practice scholarship components are proposed.
D001113:Area Health Education Centers; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004501:Education, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D006801:Humans; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012423:Rural Health; D013022:South Carolina; D000078329:Workforce