Farmers' Concerns: A Qualitative Assessment to Plan Rural Medical Education

Context: Limited research suggests that translational approaches are needed to decrease the distance, physical and cultural, between farmers and health care. Purpose: This study seeks to identify special concerns of farmers in Alabama and explore the need for a medical education program tailored to prepare physicians to address those concerns. Methods: We conducted 2 focus groups with 20 farmers from diverse communities, backgrounds, and farming operations. The sessions were audiorecorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for determined patterns. Findings: The following categories were developed as areas of importance to farmers: the need for physicians to understand the culture of farming, occupational exposures in farming, and recommendations for improving the health of farmers. Conclusion: Findings suggest that to adequately serve farmers, medical students interested in entering practice in rural areas should have or develop a relevant and adequate understanding of farming practices.