Howard has done more than any other to document the importance of rural background in choice of rural practice. His PSAP program in the most unlikely location (urban, private, east coast) is responsible for 12% of the rural FP docs of the state and 21% of those graduating from PA med schools.
His most recent project involved a year long sabbatical devoted to visits and interviews with PSAP graduates, clearly some of America's great heroes. Look for this book in mid 2004.
Critical Factors in JAMA http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/286/9/1041 most recent major journal work
Generalist initiative works plus workforce efforts
See his influence on others at Rural Background an update of current thinking on this topic over the past 30 years.
Study Shows Jefferson Medical College Program Brings Family Physicians to Small Town America
Physician Shortage Area Program Links and Info
Research in Rural Medical Education