
At his pediatrics apply in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dr. Alaa Al Nofal sees as much as 10 sufferers a day. He is recognized a few of them since they had been born. Others, he nonetheless treats after they’ve graduated from highschool.
“I deal with these youngsters for Sort 1 diabetes, thyroid issues, thyroid most cancers, puberty issues and adrenal gland illnesses,” he stated.
Al Nofal’s experience is vital. He’s one among simply 5 full-time pediatric endocrinologists in a 150,000 square-mile space that covers each South and North Dakota.
Like most of rural America, it is a area affected by a scarcity of docs.
“We’re very fortunate to have Dr. Al Nofal right here. We won’t afford to lose somebody together with his specialization,” stated Cindy Morrison, chief advertising officer for Sanford Well being, a non-profit well being care system based mostly in Sioux Falls that runs 300 hospitals and clinics in predominantly rural communities.
Related: Visa ban could make doctor shortage in rural America even worse
But,…