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Currently Idaho sits at the bottom of the nation in doctors per-capita. This lands us at 49th out of 50 and means Idahoans lack proper access to care. The struggle is even mightier in rural areas around the state.

As a family medicine doctor who has been practicing for more than 20 years in Sandpoint, I see the struggles our rural communities are facing with doctor shortages on a daily basis.

Thankfully, the Idaho Legislature understood that the location a medical student chooses for their residency is often where they put down roots and practice. During the 2018 legislative session some of our local legislators advocated for expanded residencies, including six residents in Coeur d’Alene. The investment in residencies across our state will lead to more doctors and better availability of healthcare for our friends, family and neighbors.

Thank you to our legislators, Sen. Shawn Keough and Rep. Sage Dixon, for your hard work to make our state a healthier place to live.

SCOTT DUNN, M.D.

Sandpoint