Across the United States, more than 100 million people in underserved communities lack access to primary care. Nowhere is this crisis more acute than in rural America, where 77% of counties are considered "medical deserts"—places where basic healthcare is out of reach for many. The consequences are profound: preventable illnesses go untreated, maternal and infant health outcomes lag, and entire communities are left behind in the nation’s healthcare progress.
The short documentary 'Doc Albany,' directed by two-time Academy Award®-winner Ben Proudfoot, brings these challenges to life through the stories of Dr. Jim Hotz and Dr. Sheena Favors in Albany, Georgia. Dr. Hotz, founder of Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC), and Dr. Favors, an OB-GYN and co-director of Women’s Health Services, serve nearly 55,000 rural patients across 30 clinical sites in Southwest Georgia. Their work, and the struggles of their patients, illustrate the daily realities of healthcare disparities in marginalized populations.
What sets AAPHC apart is its model: a community health center owned by its patients, focused on delivering care where it’s needed most, regardless of profitability. As Dr. Hotz notes, "We step into areas that might not bring in the most money—but where we know we can make the biggest difference. We are here for our patients—rich or poor, in sickness and in health. We're here through it all."
Behind the scenes of 'Doc Albany' is a story of digital modernization that is quietly revolutionizing rural healthcare access. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a federal agency dedicated to improving health in high-need areas, operates loan repayment and scholarship programs that bring doctors and nurses into underserved communities by repaying their student loans in exchange for service. However, for years, these programs were hampered by outdated systems and manual processes, making it difficult to scale, track impact, and respond quickly to public health emergencies.
Publicis Sapient partnered with HRSA to modernize its digital infrastructure. This transformation included replacing a 35-year-old mainframe system, tripling processing capacity, and saving millions of dollars. More importantly, it enabled HRSA to scale its operations, place more healthcare professionals in the field, and respond rapidly to emerging needs.
A cornerstone of this modernization was the implementation of a robust data management program. With better data, HRSA can now gain critical insights, make more strategic investments, and drive data-driven policy decisions that directly impact the health of rural Americans. The result is a system that not only works faster and more efficiently but also aligns more closely with HRSA’s mission to serve the most vulnerable populations—especially those who are geographically isolated.
The impact of this digital transformation is tangible. With streamlined processes and improved data, HRSA’s programs can now:
For community health centers like AAPHC, this means more doctors and nurses on the ground, better support for existing staff, and ultimately, improved care for patients who might otherwise go without. Over 21,000 healthcare providers now serve more than 21 million patients, and 85% of clinicians remain in underserved areas beyond their required term. HRSA is now equipped to project the impact of health emergencies and map resources to address community needs, driving measurable improvements in health equity and access.
The story of 'Doc Albany' is not just about technology—it’s about partnership. Publicis Sapient’s collaboration with HRSA and organizations like the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) demonstrates the power of aligning digital innovation with mission-driven care. By raising awareness of the role community health centers play and educating the medical community about the potential of digital tools, these partnerships are helping to build a more equitable healthcare system.
As Dr. Sheena Favors asserts in the film, "You shouldn't have to live in New York City to be healthy!" The digital modernization of HRSA’s systems is a critical step toward making that vision a reality for rural Americans.
'’Doc Albany’' is more than a documentary—it’s a call to action. By putting a human face on the challenges and solutions in rural healthcare, it inspires healthcare professionals, policymakers, and technology leaders to reimagine what’s possible. The film’s premiere at the Tribeca Festival and its partnership with NACHC are helping to spark conversations and drive change at both the local and national levels.
At Publicis Sapient, the belief is clear: technology, when thoughtfully applied, can be a force for good. The digital transformation of rural healthcare access is proof that with the right tools, partnerships, and vision, we can bridge the gap and ensure that quality care is within reach for all Americans—no matter where they live.
Discover more about how digital transformation is driving impact in healthcare and beyond at Publicis Sapient.