Story Spotlight

How Piedmont AHEC Housing Support Helps Future Healthcare Providers Thrive in Rural Communities

At the heart of Piedmont AHEC’s mission is a commitment to strengthening North Carolina’s healthcare workforce, especially in underserved and rural communities. Since its founding, Piedmont AHEC has played a vital role in supporting graduate medical education through stipends, residency program support, and crucially, housing assistance.

For medical students like Arjun Patel, housing support is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway to meaningful, hands-on experience—especially in rural medicine.

“I was assigned to Rockingham County for my summer clinical experience as part of the community health track,” said Patel, a student in the UNC School of Medicine’s three-year community health program. “I wanted to rotate in a rural clinic, and my assigned site was far from home. That’s when I learned about Piedmont AHEC’s housing options.”

More Story Spotlights

Recruitment and Retention: A Core Commitment at Piedmont AHEC

Recruitment and retention are critical components of a sustainable healthcare workforce, and they remain at the heart of Piedmont AHEC’s mission to support healthcare professionals across the eight-county Piedmont region of North Carolina. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need to attract and retain skilled professionals is more urgent than ever—particularly in rural areas where shortages are most pronounced.

In recent years, the healthcare and public health workforce has experienced significant stress and transition. National data indicates that some local health departments are operating with staffing levels up to 80% below capacity. This alarming shortage not only affects service delivery but also places added strain on existing professionals, making long-term retention even more challenging.