Idaho’s doctor shortage isn’t just a statistic—it’s a growing crisis affecting nearly every corner of the state. With 43 of 44 counties facing a healthcare provider shortage, access to medical care is increasingly limited, leading to worse health outcomes. While partnerships with out-of-state medical schools help train new doctors, too many leave and never return. The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine is working to change that, but experts say it will take an urgent, coordinated effort to train, recruit, and retain the physicians Idaho desperately needs.
Why does this matter in North Dakota? We’re a state with labor shortages of many varieties; we need to be looking beyond to figure out the best solutions. This commentary out of Idaho is worth reading. Also, think for a minute — what if Idaho figures this out? What if they’re successful in recruiting 1,400 doctors? Where do we think some of them will be coming from?
