According to the National Rural Health Association, rural communities represent about 25% of America’s population; however, less than 10% of physicians practice in those communities.
 

According to the Health Resource Services Administration, 95 counties in Tennessee are classified as underserved (Health Professional Shortage Areas, Health Resource Shortage Areas, or Medically Underserved Areas) and in those counties, 33 areas have a federally designated HPSA score of 10 or higher.
 

Currently, Tennessee Rural Partnership has listed more than 200 primary care opportunities in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Med/peds and some specialists.  The work pace and benefits packages vary from each setting and community.  Practice environments include but are not limited to community health centers, critical access hospitals, health departments, and private practices.
 

Practice sites range from the Appalachian Trail to the Mississippi Delta region and all points in between.  From less than 5,000 people to more than 500,000 people, towns and cities in rural and underserved areas are looking for physicians and other health professionals to call their communities home.
 

Tennessee is home to abundant natural resources and recreation, but each region has its own metropolitan city. You can boat the Kentucky Lake in West Tennessee, picnic at a State Park in Middle Tennessee, or watch the sun rise over the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Each Tennessee region has something unique and special to offer those who choose it as their home.

What Do Physicians and Clinicians Have to Say About Practicing in Rural Areas?

 "As a physician, I believe that you are charged with giving back to the community and people you live among. It is for this reason rural health became a chief desire for me.” Marc Courts, MD—Loudon, TN

“The aspect of rural medicine that I value the most is the ability to educate my patients about their health and help them as they take ownership of decisions affecting their own health.”
Anjeanette Hall, MD—Savannah, TN

“As an OB/GYN, I am involved at the beginnings of life, at that intense personal moment when a woman gives all of herself to her lineage and to the next generation.” Michael Cole, MD—Dickson, TN

“Family Medicine serves people from cradle to grave...that’s the kind of physician I want to be.”
Amanda Stoltz, MD—Rogersville, TN