Physician Workforce Study Published by the Tennessee Hospital Association

The Tennessee Hospital Association’s Physician Workforce Landscape report offers a detailed look at the state’s physician supply, current and projected demand, and the capacity of medical education programs through 2035. It finds that Tennessee is facing a significant physician shortage, with the number of practicing doctors about 13 % below the national per-capita average.

The report also highlights a widening gap between the number of medical school graduates and available residency training slots in the state, a trend projected to grow over the next decade. To address these challenges, the study outlines potential strategies for strengthening the physician pipeline and supporting recruitment and retention efforts across specialties and geographic areas. The report is part of THA’s broader workforce research aimed at supporting hospitals’ workforce planning and advocacy as Tennessee’s population continues to grow and age.

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Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Annual Report

The Tennessee Department of Health’s State Office of Rural Health has released its FY25 Annual Report on the Uninsured Adult Healthcare Safety Net Program, providing a comprehensive look at the program’s reach, impact and outcomes across the state.

Covering the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the report was submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly and highlights how state funding was distributed to support care for uninsured adults. It also outlines the scope of the provider network, demonstrating how clinics and partners across Tennessee are working together to ensure access to essential healthcare services for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations.

We are saddened to share the passing of Hal Leftwich, a long-time member of Rural Health Association of Tennessee and an active member of our Legislative Committee. 

Hal had more than 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership, serving the last seven years as CEO of Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida. He worked in hospitals large and small but had a special love for rural hospitals.

Announcing the Age-Friendly in Rural Tennessee Webinar Series

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee (RHA) is excited to launch a 6-part webinar series focused on strengthening aging services across rural communities in Tennessee. Beginning Oct. 2, these webinars will be held on Thursdays weekly at 12:00 PM CST and are open to healthcare providers, community leaders, advocates and anyone interested in improving the lives of older adults.

Why This Series Matters

Start planning your conference experience.

The Rural Health Association of Tennessee invites you to join us in Sevierville, Tennessee, Nov. 19–21, for our 31st Annual Conference. We’re excited to share the draft agenda, giving you an early look at the sessions and opportunities planned for this year.

This conference serves a diverse array of rural health stakeholders, offering educational content and insights relevant to healthcare providers, advocates and professionals across the field. This year’s program features five specialized tracks designed to meet the unique needs of rural health professionals: