Rural surgical practice: an Iowa group model.
The general surgery workforce has been well characterized recently but few recommendations have been offered to help make the practice of general surgery in rural areas more attractive. This article describes how Iowa Rural Surgical Associates, a group practice, was developed to meet the surgical needs of three rural communities in southeast Iowa. Developing the group resulted in a system of surgical delivery improving patient care in the area and quality of life for the group's surgeons.
Breon
Timothy A
TA
Department of Surgery, Mahaska Health Partnership, Mahaska Health General Surgeons, 410 North 12th Street, Suite 200, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA. tbreonmd@irsapc.com
D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education; D006123:Group Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006780:Hospitals, Rural / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007484:Iowa; D008019:Life Style; D010820:Physicians / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D019035:Rural Health Services; D000078329:Workforce