Dream of becoming a family physician to become reality soon in Hardin
Marie Elwood’s path to medical school and residency has taken her on a long and winding road – and at times, a very rocky one. The non-traditional student and mom of seven kids has demonstrated her resilience and unwavering commitment to securing her dream in the face of multiple challenges. This summer, she will realize her goal of becoming a practicing physician in family medicine in Hardin, Montana.
“Everyone has a different path to walk in life,” Elwood said.
Her path started in Elko, Nevada, a small rural town where she grew up with nine siblings. She knew from the age of 14 that she wanted to be a doctor.
“I was blessed with fantastic parents who told me I could do anything, and I believed them,” she said.
Although she didn’t finish high school, she earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles based on her impressive test scores. However, she struggled.
“I became a teen mother of twins. I, unfortunately, was in an unhealthy relationship with their father,” she said.
Elwood survived physical abuse, and the violence she endured took a heavy toll.
“I finished my undergraduate degree with an unimpressive GPA and a shattered self-esteem,” she said.
Her marriage ended, and Elwood picked herself up and moved to Oregon. She began working in addiction research. She later met the love of her life and got married. While her life improved, it wasn’t easy.
“I was pretty much living hand-to-mouth, believing med school wasn’t a possibility for me anymore,” Elwood said.
In 2010, she and her family moved to Montana. For nearly two decades, she worked as a home health aide, a certified nursing assistant, and later, as an FDA researcher. During that time, she had five more children while earning a master’s degree in entomology.
“I had great parents, so passing that love onto the next generation and watching my children grow has been so amazing.”
Meanwhile, her love for medicine continued to grow. A physician she worked with convinced her to go to medical school despite her reservations that she was too old.
“I was 38 years old when I took the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)”, she said.
She was delighted when she learned she had been accepted into WWAMI Montana – her first choice. Montana WWAMI is part of the University of Washington’s WWAMI medical education program.
“I sat my kids down and told them we were all going to med school together and this was a family project.”
Elwood thrived in medical school. While there, she started a domestic violence survivor group. Throughout her journey, her husband and children have rejoiced in her success and have provided plenty of support and encouragement along the way.
“We’ve had family celebrations: Hooray! Mom passed step one! Hooray! We are graduating from Med School!” Elwood said.
Soon, they will celebrate another milestone: the completion of her family medicine residency at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho on June 30, 2025. The next step entails moving back to Montana in July. Elwood is thrilled to soon practice full spectrum rural care at One Health in Hardin, the location where she spent several months as a TRUST student.
“Everyone who goes to medical school makes sacrifices,” Elwood said. “I believe if you are called to medicine, you need to take that calling and grow with it.”
Elwood has proven that despite life’s challenges, the growth has been worth it.
“I am the first physician in my family,” she said. “I also really enjoy being a mom,” she said. “I am proud of all my kids. For a teen mom who really didn’t finish high school, I think I turned out ok.”