Social movement plays an important role in the improvement and success of rural/underserved medicine, however, its purpose and activity differs among various groups. In this study, to clarify the purpose of social movement in rural/underserved medicine, we examined the reasons why rural medical organizations were established, the goal and activities of the organization and the role of the members and the leader,
by conducting questionnaires in seven organizations in rural and underserved areas. We found that the organizations were divided into two groups; one was a participatory public type and the other was a council type. There was wide range in their activities, leading to the improvement of physician’s shortage in rural/underserved medicine. According to these findings, the organizational coordinator, who works as a supporter
for rural physicians by resolving various problems, such as career satisfaction and work environment, should also play a role in the activities of social movement. It may be required to establish relationship between organizational coordinators and the broader community fostering rural medicine.