For second-year Idaho WWAMI student Kaden Kunz, medical school and fatherhood are not just challenges to juggle—they are complementary parts of a rewarding and fulfilling journey.
“I have two children—2½ years and 5 months old—and I truly wouldn’t want it any other way,” says Kunz. “Medical school is incredibly rewarding—and even more so with a family to come home to.”
Kunz, originally from Preston, Idaho, is currently completing his clinical training at the Boise-area TRACK site. His journey toward medicine began in high school, where an inspirational EMR/EMT teacher opened his eyes to the power of patient care and the potential within himself.
“She helped me see the value of patient care,” he reflects. “She also helped me realize how well my personality and strengths aligned with the role of a physician.” Kunz is especially drawn to orthopedics and emergency medicine, stating “I love both fields and the hands-on, impactful care they would allow me to provide.”
Still, medical training comes with its own set of trials—particularly for a parent to young children. For Kunz, one key to making it all work is setting firm boundaries between his roles as a student and a father.
“I try to keep strict ‘school’ hours where I give 100% to my studies, and then when I get home, I focus on giving 110% to my family,” says Kunz. “My goal is to be fully present in whatever role I’m in at the time.”
The phrase “be where your feet are” has become a daily mantra—a way of staying grounded through packed schedules and sleepless nights. But even with clear intentions, the reality of medical school occasionally spills over into family time.
“There are definitely days that leave you physically and mentally drained,” he notes. “Shifting gears from ‘student mode’ to ‘dad and spouse mode’ can feel exhausting. But I’ve learned that pushing through and being present for my family, even when I’m tired, pays dividends.”
Those dividends show up in unexpected moments—like his daughters being excited to visit him at school or simply being welcomed home with open arms and bright smiles.
“There’s truly nothing like hearing my daughter shout ‘Daddy!’ and run to me with the biggest smile on her face—it instantly recharges me,” says Kunz.
Kunz’s wife, Raegan, is an essential partner in this journey. “I’m incredibly fortunate to have an amazing wife who helps pick up the slack when needed,” he says. “Communicating our plans—whether it’s scheduling date nights, focused time with my kids or setting aside study blocks at home—has been key.”
Fatherhood has also deepened his perspective on medicine itself.
“Being a parent has given me a broader lens through which I view medicine,” he notes. “There’s also an emotional depth that comes from caring for others in a completely selfless way—it shapes how I think about patient care.”
As he looks ahead, Kunz is both ambitious and grounded. He hopes to be a strong residency applicant while continuing to nurture his role as a father and husband.
“I want to be present as my kids grow up,” says Kunz. “As a future physician, I hope to excel—not just for personal achievement but because I now have a stronger ‘why’: my family.”
This Father’s Day, Kunz will likely spend part of the day in the hospital finishing his OB/GYN rotation—an experience he’s looking forward to: “Hopefully I’ll get to spend part of the day helping welcome some new dads into the world. That would be pretty special.”