Mark Bucy, MD - Pediatrics, Eden, NC

Most of the patients who see Mark Bucy, MD, are too young to show their appreciation, but he knows his expertise is valuable to this small town. Since joining Eden's only pediatric practice two years ago, he's watched their patient load double.

Dr. Bucy is part of a growing number of physicians taking part in the North Carolina Medical Society Foundation's Community Practitioner Program (CPP). The CPP assists communities with health care manpower shortages by recruiting, retaining and supporting primary care providers.

"This is certainly an underserved area. Our patient load has increased from 6,000 to over 13,500 in the past two years," Dr. Bucy said. "We see patients from up to an hour away which is a pretty far drive to see us. It's tough when the children have a cold and have to travel far. And newborns come in more often -- they'll see us at two months, four months, six months and so forth."

"The average student comes out with $100,000 debt, which is hard enough to pay off with a regular salary--much less as a resident making pennies," said Dr. Bucy. "The Community Practitioner Program provides a great incentive to stay and help--especially in the more rural areas which may have limited amenities."

Beyond initial placement of clinicians, the CPP is developing into a long-term solution for health care access. Over 70 percent of providers remain in the towns in which they were placed. Odds are Dr. Bucy will be part the practitioners who stay put. He and his wife Amy have bought a house, found a church, have a new baby and feel right at home in Eden.

"Everyday when I come to work, I know that I am appreciated for my willingness to serve in an underserved area," he says. "We are very happy with the area and with Eden. This is home."