Free Public Event
A page within Public Health Annual Learning Communities
Free virtual public event
1–1:55 p.m. Central Time, October 6, 2026 via Zoom
Causes & Consequences of Consolidation in Rural Hospital Markets
Rural hospitals across the country are facing growing financial strain, workforce shortages, and increasing consolidation — all of which threaten access to care in rural communities. This session will examine the key factors contributing to rural hospital closures and mergers, as well as the resulting impacts on healthcare affordability, quality, and patient outcomes. Participants will explore current federal and state policies influencing rural healthcare systems and consider emerging policy strategies aimed at strengthening sustainable, high-quality care for rural populations.
Speaker
Caitlin Carroll, Ph.D.Caitlin Carroll, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Division of Health Policy and Management in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota. She is a health economist and specializes in quasi-experimental methods for policy analysis. Her work leverages expertise in statistical analysis of administrative health care data. Dr. Carroll’s research focuses on rural health care markets, including hospital and service line closures, payment reform for rural health care providers and system acquisition of rural hospitals. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota, Dr. Carroll worked as a research associate at the Urban Institute, specializing in health insurancepolicy simulation modeling. She completed her Ph.D. at Harvard University and received a B.S. from Tufts University.