Editor’s note: The original version of this story was published by Waverly Health Center.

Rural health care careers often start with a personal connection, and for Alec Marticoff, the decision to pursue medicine started at home.

Growing up in Readlyn, Iowa, Marticoff saw the impact of compassionate health care when his sister Brandi was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Helping his family manage her condition sparked a lasting passion for medicine and a career dedicated to helping others.

“I think that early exposure to her diagnosis, the Iowa City appointments, and being part of her care gave me a unique perspective,” Marticoff says. “It made medicine feel real and important.”

That spark grew into something more during his junior year of high school, when he attended Mini Medical Week at Waverly Health Center (WHC). Inspired and eager to learn more, Marticoff stayed in touch with WHC staff. He returned for additional shadowing and spent a summer volunteering in the emergency department, strengthening his passion for rural health care careers that serve communities like his own.

“Everyone at WHC was fantastic and encouraging,” Marticoff says. “I learned so much and felt like I had found my calling.”

Marticoff earned a degree in human physiology from the University of Iowa, working in orthopedics and sports medicine along the way. He spent three years as a surgical patient care tech at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital while completing a master’s in anatomy. In August 2024, he began medical school at the Carver College of Medicine. This past summer, Marticoff returned to WHC for four weeks as part of the Medical Education Community Orientation (MECO) program.

A personalized experience

The MECO program pairs rising second-year medical students with Iowa hospitals, offering them a unique chance to shadow physicians in real-world rural settings. At WHC, Marticoff worked with a wide range of providers across departments: pediatrics, family medicine, OBGYN, general and orthopedic surgery, ENT, the emergency department, and more.

“Every single provider has taken time to get to know me,” Marticoff says. “I’ve received incredible advice and had the opportunity to see so many different sides of medicine. This experience has felt personal and fulfilling.”

Rooted in Community

Returning to Waverly has only strengthened Marticoff’s desire to serve rural communities.

“My parents, grandparents and friends are still in Readlyn,” he says. “It means a lot to work alongside doctors who care for people I know.” His upbringing also shaped how he views the challenges and strengths of rural health care.

“I was very involved in farm safety advocacy through 4-H and FFA, so I’m familiar with the injuries and health issues rural communities face,” Marticoff says. “Growing up, we had to travel to Iowa City for specialty care. That gave me a real appreciation for how vital it is to have access to care close to home and how hard it can be without it.”

Marticoff sees WHC bridging the gap through nearby clinics and visiting specialists, helping rural patients access consistent, continuous care.

“It’s been great to see how WHC physicians encourage patients to come in not just when they’re sick, but for regular, preventive visits,” he says. “That’s how you really make a difference.”

Looking ahead

Marticoff’s passion for medicine is matched by his commitment to teaching and giving back.

“I’d love to be involved in medical education, whether that’s mentoring, teaching or community outreach,” he says. “But whatever specialty I choose, I want to have a direct, positive impact on patient health.”

When asked if he sees himself practicing in a community setting, Marticoff didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. Growing up in a small town has given me a deep appreciation for the kind of relationships and care you can build in these environments.”

Marticoff says his advice for other rural students considering health care starts with a simple message — don't be afraid to dive in.

“Shadow, volunteer, get different experiences,” he says. “Whether it’s clerking, CNA work or research. Learn from your peers, talk to patients, ask questions and take every opportunity to grow.”

When asked to describe his MECO experience at WHC in a single word, Marticoff chose “fulfilling.”

“Every interaction with staff, providers and patients has exceeded my expectations,” he says. “It has reinforced every reason I chose to pursue medicine. I’ve learned so much, and I’m incredibly thankful.”