Caitlin Carroll

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Caitlin Carroll’s research confronts a critical challenge in U.S. healthcare: the sustainability of rural hospital markets. Her work dissects the structural barriers—low patient volumes, financial fragility, and geographic isolation—that force rural hospitals to struggle, often closing or consolidating. In her highly cited 2022 paper, “Reimagining and reinvesting in rural hospital markets” (24 citations), Carroll moves beyond simply documenting these crises. She proposes a framework for reinvestment, arguing that the future of rural health depends not on preserving failing models but on reimagining the hospital’s role—shifting from acute care to integrated, community-based systems. This contribution has shaped policy discussions around value-based care and federal funding for rural health. Carroll’s impact extends beyond academia; her work is cited by health economists and policymakers seeking to prevent hospital closures in underserved regions. By blending rigorous economic analysis with a clear-eyed view of on-the-ground realities, she offers a roadmap for revitalizing rural health infrastructure. For students and researchers, Carroll’s research is a masterclass in turning a pressing policy problem into actionable, evidence-based solutions.