Topics: Recruitment and retention of health professionals

For more information and resources, see RHIhub’s Recruitment and Retention for Rural Health Facilities topic guide.

Physician Burnout: Definition(s), Cause(s), Impact(s), Solution(s)

National research has revealed it and rural research suggests it: over 40% of today’s physicians are burned out. This in-depth story reviews information about burnout in healthcare professions and for physicians in particular. Along with reviewing causes and impact, a medical school wellness-advocate, a researcher, and a large healthcare organization with a rural footprint shared interventions and solutions.

Over 40% of today’s physicians are burned out. A closer look at research indicates that not only is this a system problem rather than an individual problem, but that burnout impacts a system’s revenue streams, healthcare quality, and patient safety and satisfaction. Experts suggest the problem may even be of more concern in rural areas.

The Oregon Washington Health Network and the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center are addressing behavioral health challenges through peer counselors and heart disease/cancer prevention through community education. In addition, they’re collaborating with local healthcare facilities and medical schools to improve recruitment and retention.

Across the country, recruitment and retention challenges are common for rural healthcare entities providing post-acute care. Healthcare leaders share practical examples that have created incentive for staff to join, and stay on, their healthcare teams.

Limited funding, expanding coverage areas, and a cultural shift in volunteerism across generations has motivated EMS leaders to find new recruitment methods that attract more personnel and keep them as long as possible.

Benjamin Anderson, CEO of a 25-bed CAH in Kansas, discloses his relational style of healthcare leadership and his success attracting committed medical providers and engaging the area’s growing refugee population.

NRHA president-elect David Schmitz, MD, shares his thoughts on the recruitment of healthcare providers, training rural physicians, and the challenges and rewards of rural practice.

Physician burnout is rising as a popular healthcare topic, but the reality has been an ongoing problem in rural health settings. Dr. Jill Kruse shares her burnout experience, how she overcame it, and what she is doing to help others, while Dr. Randall Longenecker gives tips on building resiliency.

The Executive Director of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved discusses its development, and how ACU works to expand access to primary care in rural areas.

The Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program is addressing the state’s health care crisis by providing incentives for medical students to practice in rural areas.

The Rural Monitor

Articles and resources on key rural health issues, from the Rural Health Information Hub

Topics: Recruitment and retention of health professionals

Physician Burnout: Definition(s), Cause(s), Impact(s), Solution(s)

Burnout: Measurement Tool(s), Cause(s) and Impact(s)

Oregon Washington Health Network and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center “Tackle Everything” to Improve the Health of Local Community Members

Rural Post-Acute Care: Healthcare Leaders Offer Practical Solutions to Workforce Challenges

Recruitment and Retention: Overcoming the Rural EMS Dilemma

Young Rural Healthcare Leaders Series: Q&A with Benjamin Anderson

An Interview with David Schmitz

Counteracting the Darkness of Physician Burnout

An Interview with Craig Kennedy

Mississippi Scholarship Program Helps Create More Rural Physicians