Rural Health
News by Topic: Physicians
Jan 26, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcing the 2026 meetings of the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC), which will include discussion and voting on proposals for physician-focused payment models (PFPMs). The 2026 meeting dates are: February 23-24, June 15-16, September 14-15, and December 8-9.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 20, 2026 - Highlights a state-funded program offering charter flights for rural Hawaiians with off-island medical appointments. Describes current and projected funding needs for sustainability, physician shortages in rural areas, reimbursement rate challenges driving workforce shortages, and the state's Rural Health Transformation Program plans.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat
A Group of Community Members Are Hoping to Start a New Medical School in Shasta. Here's What We Know
Dec 23, 2025 - Describes a community driven effort to establish a medical school in a rural California county to improve healthcare access and recruit the physician workforce to the area. Discusses the role residencies play in retaining the physician workforce, the goals of the committee driving the movement, and the resources required to open a medical school.
Source: Shasta Scout
Dec 23, 2025 - Profiles the Chair of Surgery at the University of South Dakota's Sanford School of Medicine. Describes his early education and work history as well as the need for and creation of a rural general surgery program.
Source: American College of Surgeons
Dec 10, 2025 - Announces the expansion of a rural pediatric health networking and collaboration initiative in Georgia aiming to support access to pediatric healthcare. The program includes both a physician training and consultation component as well as specialty telehealth component to allow rural children to receive healthcare in their communities. Discusses scholarship opportunities to increase the pediatric health workforce and plans to continue expanding this program.
Source: The Den
Dec 9, 2025 - Highlights a regional program pairing medical students with physician mentors as a method to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in rural communities. Profiles one student-mentor pair in Wyoming.
Source: Wyoming Public Radio