‘I would like to be less 50th:’ Task force continues work on physician shortage

['Kevin Richert', 'Senior Reporter', 'Blogger Kevin Richert Specializes In Education Politics', 'Education Policy. He Has More Than Years Of Experience In Idaho Journalism. He Is A Frequent Guest On', 'Idaho Reports', 'On Idaho Public Television', 'Idaho Matters', 'On Boise State Public Radio. He Can Be Reached At'] Idaho Education News 2025-09-08 23:32:03

West Virginia — like Idaho, a rural, mountainous state — has 4,914 doctors, ranking 24th in physicians per capita. Idaho could take some ideas from West Virginia, as it looks to attract new doctors into its state. “I think we’re going to have to be a little bit more creative,” State Board of Education Executive Director Jennifer White said Monday, as a state working group held its third meeting to address Idaho’s physician shortage. The mutlipronged approach impressed Dr. Ted Epperly, a working group member who is the State Board’s graduate medical education coordinator. The state’s doctors are aging.