Discover How Rural Communities Can Thrive Despite Healthcare Obstacles

The Decision to Move

Moving from New York City to Maine was a significant decision driven by the desire for a more manageable lifestyle for our growing family. After over a decade in the city, raising young children seemed impractical. My husband, who hails from Maine, introduced me to the charm of this state, which quickly won my heart. The transition was smooth initially, but unforeseen challenges soon emerged.

Our twins were only two weeks old when we made the move, excited about embracing a slower pace of life and spending more time outdoors. Little did I know that finding reliable healthcare would become one of our most pressing concerns. Initially, I attributed the difficulties to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it became clear that these issues ran deeper.

Challenges in Establishing Care

Shortly after settling in during 2020, the state virtually shut down due to the pandemic. As restrictions eased, we began seeking primary care doctors and specialists. The experience was mixed; while securing an OB-GYN was relatively straightforward, other appointments proved elusive. For instance, it took over a year and a half to see a dermatologist. I hoped wait times would normalize, but they remained persistently long.

Contacting our pediatrician remains a monumental task, often involving hour-long waits on the phone and days without a response. Consequently, we now opt for urgent care when our children fall ill, bypassing the pediatrician altogether. This shift is not unique to us; many friends have adopted similar strategies. Specialist care continues to be a challenge, as evidenced by my recent attempt to schedule a Lasik consultation.

A Nationwide Doctor Shortage

In June 2024, I sought a Lasik consultation, only to find myself on a six-month waitlist. Eventually, I learned that the sole clinic in Portland performing the surgery had ceased accepting patients. Seeking alternatives, I found appointments in Massachusetts within the same week. This experience highlighted the broader issue of the nationwide doctor shortage, particularly acute in small communities like those in Maine.

Friends who are medical providers share their frustrations about long hours, stagnant pay, and the high cost of living. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, this shortage affects the entire country, but its impact is magnified in rural areas. Despite these challenges, there have been moments of exceptional care, such as when a sports medicine doctor expedited my ACL surgery and connected me with a specialized physical therapist.

Social Media Responses Reveal Common Struggles

Venting on social media about these experiences elicited numerous responses from others facing identical issues. Some travel to New York or New Hampshire for quicker access to specialists. When I checked with my former OB-GYN and dermatologists in New York, their schedules were wide open. Friends suggested concierge doctors, but the costs are prohibitive for most families, including mine.

For now, I am exploring practitioners in nearby states and considering reconnecting with my previous doctors in New York. The journey has underscored the importance of advocating for improved healthcare access in rural areas. By sharing our stories, we can inspire change and support each other through these challenges.