The rural town of Havana, Florida, with a population of 1,750 people, recently faced a healthcare crisis when their long-serving family doctor, Mark Newberry, retired in December after 30 years of dedicated service. To attract a new doctor to their community, Havana leaders launched an innovative recruitment campaign, offering enticing perks such as rent-free medical office space equipped with advanced medical equipment like X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, and bone density scanners, all owned by the town itself. This initiative aimed to address the pressing issue of doctor shortages that plague not only Havana but also numerous other communities across the state of Florida and the entire nation.
Struggling with a Nationwide Shortage
According to a Florida Department of Health report, the shortage of doctors is a widespread problem, impacting nearly every county in the state. Particularly in less populous counties like Gadsden, where Havana is located, the issue is exacerbated by the limited number of physicians available to serve the residents. The state of Florida is projected to face an even more significant shortage of doctors in the coming decade, with a statewide need of around 18,000 physicians, including 6,000 primary care doctors, by 2035. Matthew Smeltzer, a managing partner at Capstone Recruiting Advisors, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that small towns like Havana are hit the hardest due to the preference of most doctors to practice in larger communities.
Despite these challenges, Havana leaders remain optimistic about their recruitment efforts, believing that the unique incentives they offer will make their town an attractive destination for a new doctor. Kendrah Wilkerson, the town manager of Havana, described the community as an idyllic place to raise a family, with picturesque country roads, charming Main Street shops, and a strong sense of camaraderie among neighbors. The town’s strategy of providing generous incentives to attract doctors dates back to their successful recruitment of Mark Newberry in 1993, highlighting their commitment to the well-being of their residents.
A Beacon of Hope in a Small Town
The departure of Dr. Newberry left many of his former patients in a challenging situation, having to travel to neighboring towns for medical care due to the lack of a local physician. Havana Mayor Eddie Bass expressed his hope that a new doctor would soon join the community, enabling residents to receive convenient and timely medical treatment close to home. Susan Freiden, a former town manager, emphasized the importance of having a local doctor, especially for low-income residents and older adults who may face barriers to accessing healthcare in distant cities.
While the recruitment campaign initially attracted interest from nurse practitioners, the town leaders are holding out for a qualified family physician who can independently practice and prescribe medications. The search for a doctor has presented unique challenges, as primary care physicians are in short supply, particularly in small towns like Havana. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as young doctors increasingly prioritize work-life balance and meaningful patient relationships, values that align with the ethos of a small-town practice.
In a heartwarming turn of events, the town of Havana recently received interest from Camron Browning, a local resident and aspiring family medicine doctor who aims to return to his hometown to serve the community where he grew up. Browning, who is completing his residency at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, expressed his deep-rooted desire to give back to his community by providing quality healthcare services to the residents of Havana. The Town Council unanimously voted to initiate contract negotiations with Browning, signaling a promising new chapter in the town’s quest to secure a dedicated and compassionate physician.
As the negotiations with Camron Browning progress, the residents of Havana eagerly anticipate the return of a beloved doctor to their community, a beacon of hope in the face of a nationwide healthcare crisis. The prospect of having a local physician who shares a deep connection with the town and its people embodies the spirit of community-centered healthcare that defines the essence of small-town living. With a renewed sense of optimism and a commitment to serving their residents, the town of Havana stands poised to welcome a new doctor who embodies the values of compassion, dedication, and a genuine love for the community.
