South Dakota, known for its vast landscapes and rolling plains, holds a unique position in the United States as a predominantly rural and frontier state. As of mid-2024, the population of South Dakota has reached approximately 924,669, marking a steady increase from about 886,667 in 2020. Despite this growth, more than half of the state’s populace lives outside the major metropolitan areas of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, residing instead in the rural and frontier counties that define South Dakota’s character.
With 66 counties in total, South Dakota classifies 30 as rural and 34 as frontier, with the latter having fewer than six people per square mile. This expansive rural footprint presents unique challenges, especially in terms of providing accessible and equitable health care across the state.
Advancing Healthcare through USD Division of Health Affairs
Leading the charge to address these challenges is the Division of Health Affairs at the University of South Dakota (USD), serving as the strategic umbrella for the Sanford School of Medicine and the School of Health Sciences. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Tim Ridgway, the Division is focused on advancing academic excellence, spearheading vital research, and strengthening community health through outreach and service.
The USD Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM), established in 1907, has been central to training the next generation of physicians. Transitioning to a four-year medical curriculum in 1977, the school has graduated nearly 2,500 physicians. These graduates are found in various settings, from urban centers to the most rural, frontier areas, ensuring that South Dakotans receive the care they need.
Rural Medicine and the FARM Program
The Frontier and Rural Medicine (FARM) program, initiated in 2014, exemplifies the commitment to rural health care. By placing medical students in rural settings, the program has trained 86 physicians, many of whom have chosen career paths in rural family medicine. Carly Haring, a participant in the program stated, “Experiencing the full spectrum of rural living and medicine has been invaluable to my education.”
Enhancing Health Education and Career Pathways
Further strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce, USD has recently established a Department of Emergency Medicine, starting its residency program in July 2026. This initiative is designed to build a pipeline of emergency medicine professionals capable of meeting the diverse needs of South Dakota’s communities.
The South Dakota Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has played a pivotal role over the past 40 years in connecting students to careers in health care and supporting health professionals across the state.
Community Health Initiatives and Partnerships
The USD-affiliated Coyote Clinic in Sioux Falls is a testament to community service, offering free healthcare services to uninsured residents. This initiative, run by medical students in partnership with Avera Health, has touched the lives of hundreds of patients, illustrating the profound impact of community-driven healthcare solutions.
A significant challenge tackled by USD is the pressing issue of healthcare in Native American reservation communities. Through federal grants, initiatives such as Tribal Diabetes Care are enhancing health outcomes by providing targeted interventions and educating communities on ways to manage and prevent diabetes.
Interdisciplinary Training and Research
At the forefront of interdisciplinary health education, the USD School of Health Sciences offers training across nine academic departments. These efforts are crucial in supporting South Dakota’s health landscape, particularly the underserved and rural populations. Programs in addiction counseling, dental hygiene, and nursing equip students with the skills to address critical public health challenges.
The Center for Rural Health & Improvement (CRHI) collaborates on research and community projects, enhancing health outcomes through substantial federal, state, and county grants. This partnership-driven approach ensures scalable health solutions reach those in the most need.
Fostering a Health-Focused Future
With future-oriented initiatives like the Project ECHO and HOSA: Future Health Professionals, USD continues to inspire and prepare students for careers in health care, ensuring a strong pipeline of future professionals dedicated to South Dakota’s health and well-being.
USD remains committed to expanding access to quality healthcare, innovative education, and responsive community services, heralding a healthier future for all South Dakotans.