People who live in rural areas in the U.S. have more diabetes and coronary heart disease than those who live in urban areas. The population of people aged 65 and older is larger in rural areas. More people in rural areas participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits program.

All these statistics from the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) point to the need for more healthcare in these areas. Yet, the NRHA reports that the patient-to-primary care physician ratio in rural areas is 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people — compared to 53.3 physicians per 100,000 metropolitan dwellers.

There are many opportunities for physicians to make a difference by retraining as a primary care physician to help rural Americans live healthy lives. Whether through telehealth, by making regular visits to rural community clinics or by embracing a slower pace and moving to a more serene community, Physicians Retraining & Reentry (PRR) can help physicians create a meaningful, helpful medical practice.