As a special episode of the STFM Podcast, listen to an audio recording of the opening general session of the 2026 STFM Annual Spring Conference: "The Primacy of Primary Care—How Rural Can Lead the Way" by Kevin Bennett, PhD.
Dr Bennett will discuss how rural healthcare, and primary care in particular, has evolved over the years, and how rural communities have adapted in response. Innovative delivery models, workforce, and other solutions will be discussed, particularly in the context of the current policy environment. Opportunities for rural primary care to pave the way for new models of care will be discussed as a springboard for future work.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
· Describe the current landscape of innovative rural models of care delivery.Understand the impact of federal and state policies on rural care.
· Understand the impact of federal and state policies on rural care.
· Describe how rural primary care can revitalize health care delivery.
Copyright © Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2026
Speaker Bios
Kevin Bennett, PhD
Dr Bennett is a professor of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. He serves as the director of the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. He also serves as the immediate past president of the National Rural Health Association.Dr Bennett's work focuses on improving health care delivery for marginalized and underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, while examining the influence of national, state, or local policies and legislation on these populations. He has worked extensively with community groups, rural health networks, health care systems, and state agencies to pioneer and assess innovative care delivery programs. He also has an extensive publication history examining the disparities in health care access, quality, and outcomes experienced by rural populations.
