The distribution and availability of physicians and other medical professionals for rural areas were studied during 1967. The 1,853 physicians sampled were in private practice and resided in nonmetropolitan counties of the United States. Data were obtained by a 71 item multiple-choice questionnaire which was mailed 4 times during the summer and fall of 1967. Questionnaire items were divided into 3 headings: (1) background information, (2) medical practice organization, and (3) factors associated with practice and community. Counties or communities were grouped by relative population density for data analysis. Nonmetropolitan counties were classified as (1) adjacent to metropolitan areas, (2) isolated semirural (which contains an incorporated place of 2,500 or more), and (3) isolated rural. Findings indicated that (1) a significant relationship exists between size of place where he was reared; and (2) physicians were influenced by some particular individual characteristics, situational factors, best opening when ready to practice, geographic preference, family, suggestions of friends, nearness of an internship place, State assistance, and American Medical Association physicians' placement services. (NQ)