Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas? - Scorecard - MDSpire

Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

National survey data found lower per-capita representation across 23 occupations in nonmetropolitan communities, with the largest workforce differences observed among psychologists, physicians, and surgeons.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • June 11, 2026

  • 3 min

Share

Clinical Scorecard: Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHealthcare Workforce Distribution
Key MechanismsDifferences in healthcare worker availability between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Target PopulationUS population, particularly those in nonmetropolitan areas.
Care SettingPatient-facing healthcare occupations.

Key Highlights

  • Nonmetropolitan areas have 44% fewer healthcare workers per capita than metropolitan areas.
  • Only 8% of healthcare workers are employed in nonmetropolitan areas, despite 14% of the US population living there.
  • Psychologists and physicians show the largest workforce disparities between urban and rural settings.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

    Management

      Monitoring & Follow-up

        Risks

          Patient & Prescribing Data

          Residents of nonmetropolitan areas.

          Limited access to trained healthcare professionals may affect healthcare delivery.

          Clinical Best Practices

            Related Resources & Content

            Original Source(s)

            Psychologists, Physicians Scarcer in Rural Areas?

            • by Andrea Surnit

            • June 11, 2026

            Related Content

            The Cannabis Talk That Doesn't Happen

            Clinicians screened just one in three older patients for drug use, and discussed cannabis with fewer still—leaving women and minoritized groups out most.

            Mental Health May Impact Dermatologic Quality of Life

            Poorer dermatology-related quality of life was associated with greater mental health issues, while habitual probiotic intake showed no measurable relationship with these outcomes.

            Side Effects: Bro Science, Actually

            Creatine's ATP-buffering trick isn't just for biceps. In mice, it juices up dendritic cells' energy supply, sharpening T-cell priming and shrinking tumors on daily injections. Human DCs got the memo too, at least in a dish. Early days, but a fun plot twist for gym-bag chemistry.