[BEGINNING]
[CONTENTS] [PREVIOUS] [NEXT] [INDEX]

Health Professional Shortages

New Mexico needs more health care workers:
Where do you fit in?

From the beautiful desert sands to the cool mountain forests, New Mexico struggles with a number of health care issues. Many areas have reduced access to medical care because of the need for health care professionals.

What does "medically underserved" mean?

Simply, it means that there are too few health care professionals in the state to meet the population's need for health care services.

The map below illustrates New Mexico's 1994 medically underserved areas, as determined by the New Mexico Department of Health. The following criteria were used to determine these areas: infant mortality rate; ratio of primary care physicians to the general population; percentage of population age 65 and over; percentage of population earning income below 100% of the established poverty level income; and other pertinent factors.

As shown on this map, there are a number of counties that are in great need of health care providers. Many communitie s are in need of a variety of allied health workers.

What does the health care shortage mean to you?

An opportunity! If you pursue a health career, these areas can offer you the opportunity to be employed gainfully and the opportunity to derive satisfaction in knowing that you are making an impact on the lives of the citizens of these communities.

The rewards of choosing a health career are many-good pay, flexible hours, steady employment, and the positive feelings that come from helping others. These benefits, coupled with the fact that many areas in New Mexico need health care professionals, provide you with a unique opportunity. Make a difference in New Mexico-choose a health career and practice in an underserved area!

Health-related medical problems in New Mexico

  • Poor access to medical care for people who do not have health insurance
  • Lack of transportation to physicians, dentists, and other health care providers
  • Geographic and cultural barriers to health care
  • Insufficient services for new mothers and children
  • Limited medical services for the chronically ill and elderly, particularly those who are poor and uninsured
  • Lack of health promotion and disease prevention activities
  • High teen pregnancy rates
  • Inappropriate use of hospital emergency rooms for regular primary care services
  • Low levels of prenatal care