The characteristics of successful family physicians in rural Nebraska: a qualitative study of physician interviews.
BACKGROUND
In studying physician shortage issues, few studies have utilized individual interviews, allowing rural physicians to voice their own stories.


OBJECTIVE
To explore rural physicians' unique characteristics affecting their decisions and satisfactions with practice in a rural area.


METHODS
A qualitative interview study with 11 Nebraska family physicians practicing in rural (frontier) areas.


RESULTS
Previous experience and preference for a rural lifestyle, desire for autonomy, a wide scope of practice, and close relationships with patients defined those physicians choosing rural practice.
Backer
Elisabeth L
EL
Department of Family Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-3075, USA. ebacker@unmc.edu
McIlvain
Helen E
HE
Paulman
Paul M
PM
Ramaekers
Ryan C
RC
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012424:Rural Population