In Rural South Dakota, the Doctor Is a Plane Ride Away—Luckily, He Flies
Summary
Dr. Michael McNamara is a doctor specializing in high-risk pregnancies in South Dakota. He flies once a week to reach patients in remote areas, ensuring they receive needed care without traveling long distances. The U.S. faces a shortage of specialized doctors, making McNamara's work crucial in rural regions.Key Facts
- Dr. McNamara is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- He flies each week to Rapid City to see patients in remote areas.
- The flight covers about 320 miles and takes around 60 minutes.
- Weather conditions like fog can delay his flights.
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are scarce in the U.S., with only 2,079 nationwide.
- Many doctors retired early or left the profession due to burnout after COVID-19.
- Six to eight percent of pregnancies are high-risk, but not enough specialists are available to manage these cases.
- Dr. McNamara previously worked at a Navy hospital in San Diego before moving to South Dakota.
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