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Strengthening the Rural Physician Pipeline in Texas

Strengthening the Rural Physician Pipeline

Medical Students

Through the Rural Medicine Program, medical students at Texas A&M College of Medicine are given clinical experience and exposure in rural communities, with the goal of inspiring future doctors to pursue their practice back in these locations following residency.

Starting in their first year of medical school, Aggie med students can participate in rural community medicine electives that include two-or-four-week immersive rotations under the guidance of rural practitioners across the state of Texas.

  • The externship rotations include free housing and ongoing engagement with community leaders
  • Students who participate not only gain invaluable clinical experience, but also leave with a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of practicing medicine in rural communities

There is a growing shortage of providers and healthcare facilities across rural Texas and rural Texans often have lower per capita income, higher poverty rates and less health insurance compared to urban residents1 – all contributing factors to less preventative care and a higher likelihood of death from health-related causes.2

  • Across the U.S., the 2019 age-adjusted natural-cause mortality (NCM) rate for people aged 25 to 54 was 43% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, indicative of lower quality health. Trends over time show this gap widening.3
  • 125 Texas counties are designated by the federal government as Health Professional Shortage areas for primary care. 95% of these counties are rural or partially-rural.4
  • 25% of Texas counties are without a hospital.5
  • 56% of rural hospitals in Texas are without OB services.6

Want to support our effort to strengthen the rural physician pipeline? Click the links below that are most relevant to you or contact us to learn more.

  • Are you an aspiring medical student who wants to participate in our externship program? Learn about the College of Medicine admissions process.
  • Are you a physician, advanced practitioner or medical practice leader in rural Texas interested in hosting externs? Contact us for more information.
  • Are you interested in giving to support the expansion and sustainability of the Rural Medicine Program? Learn how to give.
  1. Texas State Guide. Rural Health Information Hub. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/states/texas. Accessed 10 October 2024.
  2. The Uninsured in Texas. Texas Medical Association. https://www.texmed.org/uninsured_in_texas/. Accessed 10 October 2024.
  3. Thomas, K., et al. The nature of the rural-urban mortality gap. USDA Economic research Service. (March 2024). https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/108702/eib-265.pdf. Accessed 10 October 2024.
  4. Health Resources & Services Administration HPSA Find Tool. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find. Accessed 10 October 2024.
  5. Martin, D. Rural Roads to Better Health. Spirit: Texas A&M Foundation Magazine. https://spirit.txamfoundation.com/Summer-2024/Rural-Roads-to-Better-Health.aspx. Accessed 10 October 2024.
  6. Rural Health Advocacy: Why rural health matters. Texas Rural Health Association. https://www.trha.org/advocacy/. Accessed 10 October 2024.

 

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