Physician Shortage Leads to Increased Wait Times in Southeastern North Carolina

The southeastern region of the state is experiencing a significant lack of physicians, resulting in longer wait times for patients seeking care.

By Nadine McGraw

In February, an incident involving a child at a rural North Carolina middle school highlighted the issue. The child experienced a severe allergic reaction without any previous medical history. Emergency medical services responded quickly, and the child’s parents requested transport to a major medical center in Durham, which is more than 30 minutes away from the school.

During the journey, the child’s condition worsened significantly, forcing paramedics to make a critical decision. They diverted to the nearest hospital, which was only a few minutes away in Roxboro. There, the child required multiple medications and intensive support to stabilize and save her life.