TAMU Rural Healthcare Program Roundtable

Rural hospitals and clinics play a vital role in our communities, providing essential medical care to many of our friends and neighbors across Texas-11. However, these facilities face significant challenges in keeping their doors open due to low patient volume, workforce shortages, and burdensome regulations. 

To address these issues, I convened a roundtable discussion in collaboration with the Texas A&M Rural Medicine Program, a program that aims to increase the number of healthcare providers in rural Texas through enhanced community engagement, implementation of rural physician rotations, and outreach to K-12 students. This event brought together healthcare professionals, health professional students, and community stakeholders to explore ways to revitalize rural medicine. 

Initiatives like the Texas A&M Rural Medicine Program embody the innovative, community-based solutions we urgently need. I was particularly inspired by the young high school students eager to pursue a career in rural medicine while contributing to their communities. As your elected representative, I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that protect rural hospitals, expand telehealth services, and guarantee that health care is accessible and affordable.