Family medicine in rural and depopulating recommendations in the light of the professional preferences of young physicians.

Abstract

An important factor in the effective use of basic healthcare services is spatial accessibility, the lack of which contributes to health inequalities and social exclusion. The phenomenon of medical 'deserts' illustrates the complex processes resulting from the overlap of socio-demographic and epidemiological conditions. The subject of the study was expert opinions on the development of targeted solutions aimed at reducing the phenomenon of medical deserts and work in depopulated areas in Poland. To reverse the trends in the career preferences of young medical professionals, action is required at various levels. A key factor, according to experts, is completing a postgraduate internship. Through various types of short- and long-term placements, internships, and rotations, medical students come into contact with a wide range of mentors and professional role models. Multifaceted cooperation is important in implementing health policy tasks to help reduce the phenomenon of medical deserts.