ABSTRACT
Objective: About one-half of all U.S. counties lack obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyns) physicians especially in rural areas. The objective of this study was to use experience in our state to identify demographic and practice characteristics distinguishing ob-gyns in general practice (general ob-gyns) in rural and metropolitan settings. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study used self-reported responses by physicians to a mandated survey about demographics and practice patterns at the time of New Mexico medical relicensing. Included in the study were all general ob-gyns in 2016 and 2017. Information about subspecialist ob-gyns and residents who graduated that year was obtained from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education from 2016 to 2019. Results: Nearly 1 in 3 (84 of 273, 30.8%) general ob-gyns practiced in a rural county. Those in rural settings tended to be older (p = 0.02) and male (p = 0.04). Most had practices in both obstetrics and gynecology. Compared with those in metropolitan counties, general ob-gyns in rural counties practiced in smaller groups (p = 0.0003) and worked 40 hours or more weekly (p = 0.0003). All subspecialists practiced in the most populous metropolitan county. No recent residency graduate practiced rurally in New Mexico. Conclusions: General ob-gyns in New Mexico's rural counties practiced in smaller groups and for longer work hours. Rural ob-gyns tended to be older and male.