(CHAPEL HILL) -- North Carolina is known for its prestigious hospital systems, but not all residents are sharing the wealth. Many rural communities struggle to provide primary care for their residents.

Dr. Evan Ashkin of UNC's Family Medicine programs said women are hard hit by a shortage of doctors. "We presently have eight counties with no prenatal services at all and we have 19 counties with no obstetrical services," said Ashkin.

UNC is addressing that problem by training six residents at a community health center in Caswell County. They hope the residents will commit to practicing in rural areas.  Ashkin said research shows that doctors who train in rural communities are more likely to stay and practice there.