This 28-year retrospective analysis of 1980–2008 U.S. Census data found increases
in Ohio’s physicians, minority physicians, ages, work hours, and a consistent shortage of
physicians in rural underserved areas. Ohio was below the national ratios of physicians per
100,000 people, with less than 6% of physicians in non-metropolitan areas. In 1980, only
13% of physicians were females. By 2008, about 31% of physicians were females. In 1980, less
than 21% of physicians were members of an ethnic minority group, and this figure rose to
29% in 2008. The proportion of African American physicians approximately doubled, from
less than 3% in 1980 to about 6% in 2008. To ensure the adequate capacity of the future
physician workforce, physician demography should approximate the population served.
Long-term investment in the rural practice environment is recommended for attracting
and retaining rural practice physicians. Increasing the hiring of physician assistants can
support the development of an integrated rural primary care workforce.