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, Alec saw compassionate health care’s impact 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,” Alec said. “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, Alec 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 serving communities like his own.
“Everyone at WHC was fantastic and encouraging. I learned so much and felt like I had found my calling,” he said.
Alec 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 Stead Family Children’s Hospital while completing a master’s in anatomy. In August 2024, he began medical school at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Now, through the Medical Education Community Orientation (MECO) program, Alec has returned to WHC to give back and continue growing.
A Personalized Experience
The MECO program pairs rising second-year medical students with Iowa hospitals, offering a unique chance to shadow physicians in real-world rural settings. At WHC, Alec worked with a wide range of providers across departments: pediatrics, family medicine, OB-GYN, general and orthopedic surgery, ENT, the Emergency Department and more.
“Every single provider has taken time to get to know me. 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 Alec’s desire to serve rural communities. “My parents, grandparents and friends are still in Readlyn,” he said. “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,” he explained. “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.”
Alec 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. That’s how you really make a difference.”
Looking Ahead
Alec’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. 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, Alec 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.”
His advice for other rural students considering health care? “Don’t be afraid to dive in. Shadow, volunteer, get different experiences. Whether it’s clerking, CNA work or research. Learn from your peers, talk to patients, ask questions and take every opportunity to grow.”
A Fulfilling Chapter
When asked to describe his MECO experience at WHC in a single word, Alec chose “fulfilling.”
“Every interaction with staff, providers and patients has exceeded my expectations. It has reinforced every reason I chose to pursue medicine. I’ve learned so much, and I’m incredibly thankful.”
Outside of school, Alec unwinds by cooking, playing board games with his girlfriend or family and staying active through workouts and sports.
Waverly Health Center is proud to support Alec’s journey from Mini Medical Week to MECO and his future in rural health care.