- May 20, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Union B
Session # 54 - Overcoming Rural Recruitment Bias: Strategies to Attract and Retain Physicians
While urban areas often enjoy a steady influx of healthcare providers, rural communities continue to struggle with significant challenges in accessing quality care. Nearly one in five Americans living in rural areas face limited healthcare access, contributing to worsening health outcomes and a lower quality of life. Heightening the problem are general biases about rural practice, such as perceptions of professional isolation, limited career growth, and inadequate resources that discourage many physicians from considering these opportunities. This session will explore how healthcare organizations can reframe the narrative around rural practice by addressing these biases and showcasing the unique advantages these communities offer. We will also share a real-world success story to demonstrate how modern recruitment techniques, targeted incentives, and a focus on cultural fit can successfully attract physicians and ensure long-term retention.
