Rural Health

Almost a quarter of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, and disparities between health outcomes and rural residents continue to increase. About 17 percent of AAFP members live and work in rural America and know firsthand the realities rural communities face to remain prosperous and vibrant.

Rural communities' needs are unique, oftentimes differing greatly from those of their urban counterparts. The AAFP is committed to empowering you with evidence-based resources as you address those unique needs as you improve rural health care.

Join the Discussion

Rural Health Member Interest Group

Members in Action

Family medicine mentor brings broad perspective to RLS, RPS

Bryan Hodge, D.O., has made a career of caring for the people of Southern Appalachia while training students, residents and fellows to do the same. The St. Louis native found his calling to serve the underserved not in rural Missouri but in multiple, far-flung points on the globe.

Small residency producing big results for rural community

The first class of the Freeman Health System Family Medicine Residency graduates in a few months, but all four residents already have jobs lined up. Barbara Miller, M.D., FAAFP, who started the program in late 2019 and welcomed that first class to Joplin, Missouri, in summer 2022, is proud to see her mentees complete their training.

Student Leader Planning Future in Rural Family Medicine

Austen Ott shadowed family physicians in high school and as an undergraduate student, and entered medical school with an interest in the specialty. A trip to AAFP’s National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students (now FUTURE) after Ott’s first year in medical school helped solidify their specialty choice.

Inside family medicine podcasts

IFM | Adventures in Rural Alaska with Dr. John Cullen

In this episode, Dr. John S. Cullen, a family physician with over 30 years of experience practicing rural health, shares his journey to family medicine, challenges of providing healthcare in rural settings and the rewarding aspects of his career. Topics he discusses include the impact of Medicaid expansion on rural health, and the importance of addressing maternal mortality rates. He encourages new physicians to consider rural healthcare for its diverse and fulfilling opportunities.

CME: Small Town, Big Impact: How Rural Family Physicians Make a Difference

This episode explores the complexities of rural family medicine, where physicians take on expanded roles due to limited specialist access and resources. The hosts discuss challenges like food insecurity and transportation barriers while highlighting the rewards of strong patient relationships and a deep sense of purpose. They also share personal stories and gratitude for mentors, reinforcing the vital role family physicians play in underserved communities.

Advocacy

In a country challenged by a primary care shortage, rural physicians are especially vulnerable. With seventeen percent of AAFP members living and working in rural areas, advocating for policies that support rural physicians, and their patients, is a key component of our work with Capitol Hill, the Administration and state governments. So many factors contribute to the difficulties of day-to-day practice in rural areas and our advocacy efforts represent those varied issues and concerns. Here are some of the ways the Academy is advocating for you, recent wins, and how you can directly contribute to these efforts through AAFP Speak Out campaigns: