Why Are Rural Hospitals Closing? — How Pennsylvania Physicians Are Fighting to Save Access

Rural hospital closures in Pennsylvania are reshaping access to care, and PA physicians are on the front lines of the crisis. In this episode of PAMED Talks, a Pennsylvania physician breaks down the real drivers behind the rural healthcare crisis and what it means for patients and the future of medicine.

From workforce shortages to private equity and declining reimbursement, this conversation explores the structural challenges threatening rural healthcare across Pennsylvania. The key takeaway: access isn’t just about geography. It’s about policy, sustainability, and whether physicians can continue to practice where they’re needed most.

Topics covered:

• Rural hospital closures and their impact on patient outcomes and access to care
• Physician workforce shortages and barriers to practicing in rural Pennsylvania
• The role of private equity, consolidation, and non-compete agreements
• Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement challenges in rural communities
• How advocacy, residency pipelines, and policy reform can strengthen rural healthcare

Lorraine Rosamilia, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist with Mount Nittany Health and Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.

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