Rhode Island Named The Worst State For Doctors: WalletHub

RHODE ISLAND — For the second year in a row, Rhode Island was named the worst state in the country for doctors in a ranking by personal finance website WalletHub. The Ocean State was put in last place behind all other states and the District of Columbia.

To compile the ranking, WalletHub examined 19 key metrics, ranging from starting salary and number of hospitals to the rate of physician burnout. While Rhode Island was in last place, its New England neighbor did not fare much better, with Massachusetts at number 43.

One of the factors that put Rhode Island so low on the list was competition. The state tied for 48th place with New York and Washington, D.C. for highest expected competition by 2028.

It was also ranked low in terms of malpractice payouts, coming in at number 49.

"The threat of medical malpractice can have a significant effect not just on a doctors’ ability to do their job but also on patients and patient care," said Dr. Reena Kelly, an assistant professor at the University of New Haven. "The risk of litigation adds high stress to physicians, which can further harm the kind of care they provide."

South Dakota was named the top state in the country, followed by Minnesota and Wisconsin. Rhode Island was joined in the ranking by New York and Washington, D.C., which rounded out the bottom three.

Here's a look at 2022's top 10 states for doctors, according to WalletHub.

1. South Dakota
2. Minnesota
3. Wisconsin
4. Montana
5. Idaho
6. Iowa
7. Nebraska
8. Kansas
9. North Dakota
10. Mississippi

See the full report from WalletHub.