Connections and Belo ...

Access to primary care is a cornerstone of health system effectiveness and patient well-being, yet in many regions, patients face unacceptably long wait times, sometimes exceeding two years, for an appointment with a primary care provider. These barriers to timely care not only undermine patient health outcomes but also erode the sense of belonging and connection that is vital to effective, person-centered health care. When individuals cannot access primary care, they are forced to seek help in urgent care or emergency room settings, which are ill-equipped to manage ongoing, preventative, or chronic health needs, and where continuity of care is often lost. This shift away from primary care disrupts the development of trusting patient-provider relationships, limits opportunities for holistic health management, and ultimately harms patient satisfaction and outcomes. The consequences of long waiting lists are compounded by high turnover among primary care providers, a trend driven by burnout, excessive workloads, and dissatisfaction with practice environments. When providers leave the workforce, continuity of care is further disrupted, and the remaining staff face even greater pressure, perpetuating a cycle of attrition and access challenges. Burnout and low job satisfaction are particularly acute among primary care clinicians, with studies showing that burnout directly predicts turnover and negatively impacts both provider and patient well-being. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Increased funding for training and incentives for family nurse practitioners, physician associates, and physicians, especially those willing to practice in underserved areas, is essential to expand the primary care workforce. Equally important is the creation of practice settings that support healthy work-life balance, foster supportive team environments, and promote provider well-being. By investing in both workforce expansion and practice environment improvements, we can reduce wait times, enhance access to care, and restore the sense of belonging that is central to effective primary care.