In Havana, Florida, a small town with a population of approximately 1,750, residents are working diligently to fill a key role in their community: a family doctor. This effort follows the recent retirement of Dr. Mark Newberry, who served the community for 30 years. To attract a new physician, town leaders have implemented a recruitment campaign that includes placing advertisements in local newspapers and on social media, as well as offering enticing incentives such as rent-free office space and access to essential medical equipment like an X-ray machine and an ultrasound.
The need for healthcare professionals is critical, particularly in rural areas like Gadsden County, where doctor shortages are acute. According to a report from the Florida Department of Health, nearly all counties in Florida face a shortage of doctors, with less populated regions feeling the squeeze the most. Projections indicate that the state will need an additional 18,000 physicians, including 6,000 primary care doctors, by 2035.
Kendrah Wilkerson, the town manager, emphasized the importance of having a doctor in Havana, comparing it to the significance of parks and community planning. Meanwhile, former town manager Susan Freiden pointed out that local healthcare access is crucial for many residents, particularly older adults and low-income families who may struggle to travel for medical care.
While Havana’s campaign has sparked interest from nurse practitioners, it has yet to yield applications from primary care physicians. In a challenging landscape for recruitment, Matthew Smeltzer of Capstone Recruiting Advisors noted that small towns often struggle to attract physicians who prefer larger communities, and many small towns lack graduates from medical schools among their residents.
However, hope remains on the horizon as Camron Browning, a local who is completing his residency and is focused on family medicine, has expressed a desire to return to Havana to practice. Browning, a 2003 graduate of Northside Havana High School, aims to serve his hometown and sees the recruitment incentives as favorable to setting up his practice.
As the town navigates the challenges of recruiting a new doctor, the spirit of community support shines through, with leaders remaining optimistic about attracting a physician who can provide essential healthcare services to local residents. This situation underscores the vital need for healthcare access in small communities and the positive impact a dedicated physician can have on a tight-knit town.