West Virginia — like Idaho, a rural, mountainous state — has 4,914 doctors, ranking 24 th in physicians per capita.

Idaho has 3,504 doctors, ranking 50 th in the nation.

Idaho could take some ideas from West Virginia, as it looks to attract new doctors into its state. But it might come down to what Idaho can afford for scholarships and loan forgiveness, as it competes with other states with lavish mineral, oil and gas resources.

“I think we’re going to have to be a little bit more creative,” State Board of Education Executive Director Jennifer White said Monday, as a state working group held its third meeting to address Idaho’s physician shortage.

Formed by the 2025 Legislature, the working group will report to lawmakers and Gov. Brad Little before the start of the 2026 session — w

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