Retention of physicians continues to be a problem across much of rural North America, and research has neglected the sociogeographical process that leads to it. John Dewey's philosophy, including his insight into habits, suggests that retention is a process of “place integration” or “habitat” formation. A qualitative study of retention in Kentucky illustrates the process. For rural physicians this process revolves around the enhancement of security, freedom, identity, and meaning in place.
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