Week4-Rural Podcast Assignment-Andrew

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Rural Podcast Assignment Andrew Feng Pima Community College GEO103 Cultural Geography Dr. Cynthia Sorrensen Jun 23, 2023

Rural Podcast Activity I listened to episode 356 of Rural Health Leadership Radio, titled "A Conversation With Randy Longenecker." Dr. Randy Longenecker's insights on rural healthcare and the impact of upbringing and training location on physicians' decision to practice in rural areas were enlightening and aligned with the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare. Dr. Longenecker emphasized the importance of rural residencies in increasing the likelihood of physicians choosing a rural practice. This highlights the significance of hands-on training and exposure to rural healthcare settings. By training physicians in rural areas, they become familiar with the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by rural communities. This firsthand experience fosters a sense of connection and understanding, making physicians more inclined to choose rural practice (Auxier, 2023). The shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas is a pressing issue, and Dr. Longenecker's advocacy for expanding residency training in rural settings is crucial. By creating more opportunities for rural education, such as establishing rural training track programs and rural scholars pathways, we can prepare more healthcare professionals to serve in underserved rural communities. This approach addresses the specific needs of rural healthcare and helps bridge the gap in access to quality healthcare services. One aspect that surprised me was the realization that despite being a developed country, the United States still faces challenges in rural areas such as limited medical resources, healthcare institutions, and healthcare providers. This uneven distribution hinders rural residents' access to timely and high-quality healthcare, exacerbating medical inequities.

It sheds light on socioeconomic disparities and inequitable resource allocation within the U.S. healthcare system (Warshaw, 2022). Due to the sparse and scattered population in rural areas, many medical facilities cannot offer comprehensive services, particularly highly specialized care. This leads to challenges for rural residents, including long travel distances, extended waiting times, and limited availability of certain medical services. These limitations increase the difficulty of obtaining adequate healthcare in rural areas. Rural residents often have lower incomes and economic statuses but face higher medical costs. Inadequate medical insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket expenses make it challenging for rural residents to afford medical services, resulting in financial strain and medical debt. This highlights the pervasive issues of high healthcare costs and insufficient medical insurance coverage in the U.S. healthcare system ( Why Health Care Is Harder to Access in Rural America , n.d.). The lack of sufficient medical education and training opportunities in rural areas further restricts the chances for local residents to pursue medical careers. The shortage of medical services in rural areas is exacerbated by the scarcity of healthcare professionals and medical education resources ( Saving Rural Hospitals - the Crisis in Rural Health Care , n.d.). One striking aspect of Dr. Randy Longenecker's discussion was the emphasis on the impact of rural upbringing and training location on a physician's decision to practice in rural areas. It underscores the significant role that early exposure and integration into rural communities play in shaping the career choices of healthcare professionals.

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Dr. Longenecker conveys the idea that rural healthcare extends beyond medical knowledge and skills. It encompasses a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and economic dynamics that shape rural communities. This understanding is crucial in delivering effective and comprehensive care that resonates with the needs and values of the community. Overall, the podcast episode deepened my understanding of the challenges and complexities of rural healthcare in the United States. It highlighted the importance of targeted strategies, such as rural residencies and expanded educational opportunities, to address the shortage of healthcare professionals and improve access to quality healthcare in rural areas. It reinforced the need for comprehensive approaches that consider the unique characteristics and needs of rural communities in healthcare delivery. References

Auxier, B., PhD. (2023, June 20). 356: A Conversation With Randy Longenecker - Rural Health Leadership Radio TM . Rural Health Leadership Radio TM . https://rhlradio.com/2023/06/20/356-a-conversation-with-randy-longenecker/ Saving Rural Hospitals - The Crisis in Rural Health Care . (n.d.). http://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/ Warshaw, R. (2022, June 29). Health Disparities Affect Millions in Rural U.S. Communities. AAMC . https://www.aamc.org/news/health-disparities-affect-millions-rural-us- communities Why Health Care Is Harder to Access in Rural America . (n.d.). U.S. GAO. https://www.gao.gov/blog/why-health-care-harder-access-rural-america