Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-14-2023
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
First Advisor
Anne Cafer
Second Advisor
Megan Rosenthal
Third Advisor
Lynn C. Woo
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Healthcare disparities exist throughout the United States. While Mississippi does not stand alone in the maldistribution of physicians and medical practices across the state, it does exist as a state that has been historically medically underserved. According to data collected by The County Health Rankings Model developed by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, in 2019, the ratio of population to primary care physicians in Mississippi was 1860:1. This is nearly 30% higher in disparity than the national average. It is also important to note that of Mississippi’s 82 counties, 79.3% are considered rural with the majority of physicians practicing in a handful of urban regions [1]. With a historic disparity defining our state and rural designations having a higher association with Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and other markers of health rankings including lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates, our research focus aims to identify trends in physician practice location. 2020-2021 data from The Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce reports that, “Mississippi ranks fourth in percentage of MD students matriculating in-state” [2]. Through the use of both qualitative interviews and quantitative survey methods, our research directly gauged current trends and thoughts from M3 and M4 medical students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, MS. Data analysis led to trend identification and coding to see if there were specific supporting or refuting trends that contributed to Mississippi’s efforts–including policy and program initiatives–to lessen healthcare disparities and increase rankings of in-state matriculation. The results of this analysis provided us with a broader understanding of current rural-focused education initiatives at UMMC as well as allowed us to make recommendations for improved educational policy and support for healthcare careers at all levels of education including grade-school, undergraduate, and graduate levels.
Recommended Citation
Latimer, Allegra, "Predictors of Future Physician Practice Location" (2023). Honors Theses. 2945.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2945
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