Growing the Physician Workforce in Arkansas
A Statewide Graduate Medical Education Strategy
Heartland Whole Health Institute has published Growing the Physician Workforce in Arkansas: A Statewide Graduate Medical Education (GME) Strategy, a statewide report examining Arkansas’s physician training landscape and outlining evidence‑informed options to strengthen residency training capacity over time.
About the Report
Graduate Medical Education plays a critical role in shaping where physicians ultimately practice. This report, developed in partnership with ShepsGME, examines Arkansas’s current GME capacity, identifies specialty and geographic gaps that affect access to care, and explores practical considerations that influence whether new and expanded residency programs are feasible across the state.
The analysis is grounded in data review and extensive stakeholder engagement, including input from health systems, academic partners, clinicians, trainees, and community leaders from all regions of Arkansas. The report reflects both statewide trends and regional realities.
The findings are presented as a framework for exploration and long‑term planning. The report is intended to support shared understanding among health care, education, and community stakeholders as they consider approaches to strengthening the physician training pipeline in Arkansas.
What the Report Examines
- Arkansas’s current Graduate Medical Education landscape
- Specialty and geographic gaps that influence access to care
- Barriers and considerations affecting residency program feasibility
- Regional training pathways and implementation considerations
- Lessons from peer states and comparable training models
Why Graduate Medical Education Matters
Residency training is a required step between medical school and independent clinical practice. Research consistently shows that physicians are more likely to practice near where they complete residency training. Understanding how and where residency programs are structured is essential to long‑term access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Explore Frequently Asked Questions
Stakeholder‑Informed, Data‑Driven
This work was informed by engagement with more than 42 organizations and over 100 stakeholders from all five regions of Arkansas, representing diverse perspectives and areas of expertise. Their input helped ensure the analysis reflects on‑the‑ground realities and regional variation across the state.
How This Report Is Intended to Be Used
This publication is offered as nonpartisan analysis, study, and research for broad public education. It is designed to support understanding and dialogue among health care, education, and community stakeholders.