A study of the recruitment of physicians into three northern New York counties

Learning that 60 physicians had been recruited into three northern New York rural counties in recent years, the authors initiated a study to determine whether the number was correct, some characteristics of these new physicians, and the factors which had led them to settle in the area. After verifying 60 to be the correct number, the authors obtained information from 59 physicians, most of whom were interviewed in person or by telephone; local hospital administrators supplied information about the remainder. Four-fifths of the total group considered themselves to be specialists, either board certified or eligible. Half moved into the area with a guarantee of income for a period of years. The proximity of a university medical center was reported not to have played a significant role in relocation decisions. Within one year after the conclusion of this survey, six of the new physicians had left the area and one had moved to emergency room practice. Their average stay in the area had been 1.9 years. Thus, successful recruitment is only one step in the provision of rural health care.