Educational Initiatives to Address Surgery Workforce Shortages in Rural Washington State

Abstract

The growing shortage of general surgeons in the United States poses significant challenges, particularly in rural areas of Washington State, where limited health care access can exacerbate disparities. Washington State University College of Medicine (WSU COM) has implemented strategic educational initiatives to address rural workforce shortages, including a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) and required rotations in rural health, many of which are hosted by rural general surgeons. Our IRB-approved study conducted at WSU COM examined the impact of these rural surgeons on medical students’ career trajectories through qualitative interviews with WSU alumni. Participant responses highlighted themes such as responsibility, adaptability, and community engagement. Additionally, WSU COM is working towards developing a post-residency rural surgery training program to equip trainees with broad surgical expertise while also encouraging surgeon retention in Washington state. These efforts aim to cultivate a well-prepared surgical workforce and ultimately improve health care access for rural Washington communities.