Birmingham, Ala.-based St. Vincent’s Health System announced St. Vincent’s Family Care in Pell City, Ala., will close after March 25 because it is unable to recruit a new physician.
The practice’s previous physician, James Tuck, MD retired in December 2014. The system said it was “aggressively recruiting” a physician prior to Dr. Tuck’s retirement, but has been unable to find one.
"Recruiting a physician to a traditional, solo practice is increasingly challenging across the country, especially in smaller communities," reads a statement from St. Vincent’s.
A temporary physician has staffed the practice since Dr. Tuck’s retirement. Patients are now being referred to a service to assist them in finding a new physician and transfer their medical records, according to the statement.
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