Rural America is not simply a “small” version of urban America. It is a unique health care delivery environment. Rural is that place where those most in need of health care services oftentimes have the fewest options available when it comes to accessing care. Sixty-two million Americans live and work in rural areas of the United States, and a substantial number of these areas are federally designated as Health Profession Shortage Areas. The challenge from a national perspective is how best to address the health care needs of this important population group.