Market Data
The Doctor Shortage in Rural America: Havana, Florida’s Struggle to Attract a New Physician
In the small town of Havana, Florida, with a population of just 1,750 residents, the community has been fortunate to have a dedicated family doctor, Mark Newberry, for the past 30 years. However, his retirement in December 2023 has left a significant void in the town’s healthcare system. To address this challenge, local leaders have launched a recruitment campaign to attract a new physician. The town has taken unconventional steps, including placing want ads in local newspapers, posting on social media, and offering a rent-free medical office equipped with advanced equipment such as an X-ray machine, ultrasound, and bone density scanner. These efforts reflect the urgency of the situation, as Havana faces the same nationwide physician shortage that is disproportionately affecting rural communities.
The Growing Physician Shortage in Florida
The doctor shortage is not just a local issue but a statewide problem. According to a report by the Florida Department of Health, nearly every county in the state is affected by doctor shortages, with less populous counties like Gadsden, where Havana is located, being hit the hardest. The scarcity of physicians is projected to worsen over the next decade, with Florida expected to need 18,000 more doctors by 2035, including 6,000 primary care physicians. This shortage is particularly challenging for small towns like Havana, where the lack of healthcare access can have devastating consequences for residents, especially the elderly and low-income families who may lack transportation to larger cities like Tallahassee or Quincy for medical care.
Havana’s Recruitment Efforts: A Community’s Hope
Havana’s town leaders are determined to find a replacement for Dr. Newberry, knowing how critical a local doctor is for the community’s well-being. Town Manager Kendrah Wilkerson emphasizes that having a family physician is as essential as parks and future planning for the town. The community is highlighting its charm as a small, close-knit town with a strong sense of neighborliness, country roads, and a quaint downtown area lined with antique shops and restaurants. Wilkerson describes Havana as a place that feels like a Hallmark movie, where residents genuinely care for one another. However, despite these attractions, the town faces stiff competition in recruiting physicians, as many prefer to work in larger, more urban areas.
The Challenge of Attracting Physicians to Small Towns
Matthew Smeltzer, a managing partner at Capstone Recruiting Advisors, a firm that specializes in physician recruitment, notes that small towns like Havana are often at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting doctors. While some physicians value the quality of life and work-life balance that small towns offer, many are drawn to larger communities for better career opportunities, higher salaries, and greater amenities. Smeltzer explains that small towns often succeed in recruiting physicians with ties to the area, such as family or personal connections. Havana’s recruitment campaign has generated interest from nurse practitioners, but few primary care physicians have applied, leaving town leaders hopeful that a local doctor will step forward to fill the gap.
A Glimmer of Hope: A Native Son Returns
In a promising development, Camron Browning, a Havana native and family medicine doctor, has expressed interest in returning to his hometown to practice. Browning, who grew up in Havana and attended Northside Havana High School, is completing his residency at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. During a December interview with the Town Council, he shared his goal of serving his hometown, highlighting his experience in family medicine, including delivering babies and treating thousands of patients during his residency. Browning’s decision to return to Havana is a testament to the town’s appeal and the importance of having a doctor who understands the community’s needs. The Town Council has unanimously approved contract negotiations with Browning, offering him a financial package similar to the one that attracted Dr. Newberry three decades ago.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rural Healthcare
While Havana’s recruitment efforts have shown promise, the broader challenge of physician shortages in rural America remains unresolved. The town’s story highlights the creative strategies small communities are employing to retain and recruit healthcare providers, from offering financial incentives to emphasizing the benefits of small-town living. As younger physicians increasingly prioritize work-life balance and meaningful patient relationships, towns like Havana may find an edge in attracting doctors who value these qualities. For now, the community remains hopeful that Browning’s return will restore access to local healthcare, ensuring that Havana’s residents can continue to thrive with the care and support they need.
