Iowa health care providers say when it comes to some specialties, some people living in rural communities are still having to drive a distance to get the aid they need. KCCI spoke with a physician with Broadlawns Medical Center who details how they're addressing the necessity, especially when it comes to family medicine. Dr. Larry Severidt is both the director of medical education and the director of the Family Medicine Residency program at Broadlawns Medical Center. Before moving to this role, he delivered approximately 2,000 babies in rural Iowa communities for 24 years. Dr. Severidt says the declining numbers of physicians specializing in Family Medicine in Iowa, especially rural areas, is an issue that could lead to a potential crisis. “We’re seeing more pre-termed babies,” explained Dr. Severidt. “More pre-mature deliveries because moms have too far to go to get to a medical center.” A 2020 report released by the Iowa Department of Public Health reports 34 community-level hospitals discontinued maternity services between 2000 and 2018. “There just aren’t enough doctors willing to do obstetrical services. Another part of that is, there aren’t enough doctors to provide cesarean section coverage,” said Dr. Severidt. When it comes to rural communities, easy access to providers highly skilled in medical specialties may not be easily accessible. Local health care providers may have to call a regional hospital or clinic that could be miles away from a community or direct patients to them for additional help in a specific area. Dr. Severidt and others with the Broadlawns Family Medicine Residency program are looking to change those odds for family medicine. The program takes on eight residents each year and encourages them to practice in rural communities after they’ve completed their time. However, working in rural communities is not mandatory to be in the program.“This year seven out of eight of our graduates are going to go into rural practices in towns with less than 15,000 people,” said Dr. Severidt. Many former residents have gone to communities across the state, such as Carroll, Decorah, Independence, Knoxville, and Manchester. Dr. Severidt says the program is preparing to expand by offering an obstetrical fellowship, teaching graduate students how to perform C-sections. The program, self-funded by Broadlawns Medical Center, will start next year.“If there’s state funding and working through the University of Iowa, we’re hopeful that we can get additional funding,” explained Dr. Severidt. “But we’re not going to wait. We’re going to start now.” Other Des Moines area health care providers are also helping fill the gaps in rural health-care. MercyOne Des Moines tells KCCI some of their methods include using telehealth, doing emergency room consults, and transporting patients with their helicopters.