Doctors‘ Decisions to Work in Underdoctored Areas Driven by Intertwined ⁤Personal and‍ Professional Factors

New research​ published in Health &⁤ Place in 2025 sheds light on the complex motivations ⁣behind doctors choosing to‍ practice in ⁤areas facing challenges in⁢ recruitment⁤ and‌ retention‌ of medical staff – often termed ​”underdoctored” areas. The qualitative study,led‌ by Dr. Liz Brewster, reveals that decisions about where to live ​and⁢ work ‍are rarely ⁤simple, frequently involving compromises⁢ between family life, career​ satisfaction, and the characteristics of a location.

The⁣ research emphasizes the importance of understanding these motivations to improve access to care in⁣ underserved⁢ regions. Dr. Brewster notes, “Understanding the motivations for working in these locations​ is‌ crucial ‌for leveraging access ⁣to care in ⁤these locations.”

The study found three primary drivers influencing doctors’ choices: prioritizing people, prioritizing ⁢place, and prioritizing career. Many participants based their decisions on connections ​to family,partners,and ‌friends. Tegan, ‍a medical consultant⁣ in the Northwest, exemplified this, ⁢stating,​ “I can’t imagine me ⁣leaving.‍ Personally, because I’m from this area, live​ in this area,‍ my family are in this⁤ area, I wouldn’t be planning to ⁢move anywhere else.”

While less common, some doctors were drawn to a‌ location specifically because of its ​habitat and ⁤opportunities for outdoor activities. Yasmin, a GP in Northern England, described her experience: “We both wanted to be somewhere more rural… West Cumbria​ is ‍an environment‍ all of its own, so⁣ a⁤ lot of poverty, a lot of needs. It was challenging‌ but on the doorstep of⁤ some ‍of the world’s most stunning‌ scenery.”

However, career opportunities⁢ proved to be a more frequent factor. Xavier, a consultant also in the Northwest, deliberately chose to work in⁣ a deprived town, explaining, “I deliberately picked [deprived town in northern England], because I could tell that it would allow me to do as much as possible of what ⁢I had ⁢trained‌ to do to as high‍ a level as I possibly could.”

The study ‌highlights ‍that‍ these factors often interact, sometimes ⁣aligning to allow doctors to settle comfortably, and other times creating conflict requiring compromise. Dr. Brewster explains that the research identifies “patterns‌ where particular types⁢ of‌ choices are made, which ‍may be‌ useful for ⁤considering future workforce planning.” ‍

The findings also suggest that ​early career ⁢expectations of mobility frequently enough⁢ lead to a desire for long-term settlement. Location of medical school did not appear to⁤ be a important deciding​ factor unless other appealing‌ aspects of the location were present.

Ultimately, ‍the research raises significant questions about how‍ to improve perceptions of underdoctored areas, define meaningful work alongside‍ a good quality of life, and encourage more doctors to consider practicing in these regions.

Source: Brewster,L., et‌ al. (2025). Medical training pathways and underdoctored areas: a qualitative study of doctors working in areas that struggle ⁣to recruit and ⁢retain. Health⁤ & Place. doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103560