"It would be good to have some doctors here in this area," McCray said, explaining that having a physician assistant nearby has helped coordinate her care and connect her with specialists when needed.
Her experience reflects a growing concern across the state. Healthcare leaders say physician assistants, or PAs, are becoming increasingly essential as hospitals struggle with staffing shortages and rural communities continue to lose access to services.
PAs are licensed medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform physical exams and treat patients while working alongside physicians. They help expand access to care, particularly in areas where physician shortages leave patients waiting weeks or months for appointments.
Ryan Kelly, executive director of the Mississippi Rural Health Association, said physician assistants have become a vital part of the state's healthcare workforce, especially in rural communities where recruiting physicians remains difficult.
"PAs are a really good mid-level provider that we have in the state," Kelly said. "We just don't have enough people in many of our rural areas to meet the demand."
Kelly said PAs help bridge the gap by allowing physicians to see more patients while improving access to primary care and specialty services. Without enough providers, patients often experience longer wait times, delayed treatment and fewer healthcare options close to home.
"They can serve as a lifeline to rural patients who are in need," Kelly said.
The need for PAs comes as Mississippi works to expand educational opportunities for future providers.
The state now has only three physician assistant programs: Mississippi Christian University, Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, which plans to welcome its inaugural class in January 2027. Until just a few years ago, Mississippi had only one program.
Jessica Matthews, director of clinical education for USM’s physician assistant program, said expanding those educational opportunities is critical because graduates often choose to practice near where they complete their training.
"Where you attend school is a big factor in where you choose to stay and practice," Matthews said. "We hope having students attend school here will incentivize them to stay in the region and serve our populations here."
USM developed its program with an emphasis on preparing graduates to work in rural and underserved communities. Matthews said students will receive classroom instruction and clinical rotations designed to expose them to healthcare challenges unique to those areas.
"Our goal is to help fill that gap that we see in Mississippi in these healthcare provider shortage areas," she said.
Healthcare advocates say building that workforce is more important than ever as rural communities struggle with access to care. More than half of Mississippi's hospitals are in rural areas, and many face financial pressures while trying to recruit physicians and other professionals.
Kelly said physician assistants help improve access not only because they increase the number of providers available, but also because they can reduce travel burdens for patients who often drive hours to receive care.
He said recruiting providers to rural Mississippi requires more than competitive salaries; communities must also offer quality schools, housing, broadband internet and other amenities that encourage professionals to build long-term careers.
Still, Kelly believes rural medicine offers rewards that can't be measured by a paycheck.
"If you want to truly make a difference in the lives of an entire community, rural healthcare is where it's at," he said. "If you want to make a difference in the lives of rural Mississippi citizens, they will love you for it."
State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said physician assistants are a vital component of the state’s broader workforce strategy. He said continued investments in PA education, residency programs and workforce incentives will be necessary to address shortages, particularly in the state's most rural counties.
Mississippi also faces uncertainty surrounding PA education nationwide as programs monitor legal challenges involving federal student loan policies. Educators say limiting financial aid could discourage future students from entering the profession at a time when the state needs more providers.
Matthews said supporting physician assistant education is an investment in Mississippi’s future.
"We need all the support we can get to get PAs in the community to help meet these needs," she said.
For patients like McCray, the conversation transcends workforce statistics.
She said what matters most is having someone nearby who listens, understands and is committed to helping patients receive care without forcing them to leave their homes.
"We have a lot of people in our area that really require somebody with a heart and concern for the welfare of the community," McCray said. "It makes a difference to know that your doctor cares."
