Improving the geographic distribution of doctors: an investigation of early career rural and remote practice and associated factors in Indonesia

Doctor shortage is one of the causes of poorer health among rural and remote populations compared to their urban counterparts. Exploring the correlates of rural practice could help inform strategies to increase rural and remote doctor supply. I conducted a cross-sectional national survey of early-career doctors in Indonesia, collecting data on their locations from childhood to current employment, and a range of other characteristics, to determine factors associated with rural practice. I found that rural practice is strongly correlated with previous rural exposures, and conclude that increasing the medical workforce in rural and remote areas requires a continuum of strategies. These could include selecting medical students with rural origins, rural exposure and content during medical training, and supporting particular needs by gender and family circumstances.