Alaska WWAMI students are reaping the rewards from the Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST). TRUST helps students get hands-on insight into the benefits and challenges of rural practice throughout medical school while building lasting connections in underserved communities.
First-year Alaska WWAMI students Mauri Butzke, Yi Chan and Abigail Moffett recently completed their initial TRUST experiences in Kodiak, Soldotna, and Juneau, respectively.
“One of the most powerful parts of my time in Kodiak was witnessing the representation of Alaska Native people within the healthcare system,” said Butzke. She served at one of the Kodiak Area Native Association’s outpatient medical clinics. “It was clear how meaningful it was for patients to be cared for by people who looked like them, spoke their language, and understood their values.”
Butzke is Inupiaq on her father’s side, and her family members are from the Nome Eskimo Community. She was born and raised in Anchorage.
Growing up receiving care through the Alaska Indian Health Service, Butzke noticed the shortage of Native providers. Learning more about Indigenous healthcare
inspired her to become a doctor.
“I hope to serve and advocate for my Alaska Native community and help encourage the next generation of Native learners to do the same,” she said.
Butzke described Kodiak as vibrant and incredibly welcoming.
“Everyone I met was kind and eager to connect,” she said. “One day, I got lost on a trail, and a group of women invited me to join their hike — just one example of the generosity and warmth I experienced. The strong presence of Sugpiaq Alaska culture is part of what gives Kodiak its vibrancy. You can feel it in the way people care for one another, in local traditions, and in the deep connection to the land and sea.”
Moffett, who spent her TRUST rotation at Valley Medical Care in Juneau, felt equally embraced by the community. Born on Joint Base Elmendorf-Fort Richardson and raised in Kenai, she grew up surrounded by medicine – her mother, a pediatrician, and her father, a pulmonologist. Now both she and her sister are pursuing medical careers.
Her first steps into medicine in Juneau were rewarding in several ways, including the time she spent with the clinical team.
“I shadowed providers, nurses and lab staff and saw how well everyone worked together,” she said.
During Moffett’s free time, she explored the many hiking opportunities in the area.
“All the locals I encountered were very friendly and helpful in directing me to the best hikes,” she said.
Yi Chan completed her TRUST rotation at Upstream Family Medicine in Soldotna. Born in China and raised in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, Chan is no stranger to rural Alaska life.
“The biggest takeaway from TRUST was something I learned about myself,” Chan said. “I was nervous driving four hours to a place I’d never been before, but I adapted quickly and gained a lot of confidence. The people at the clinic were incredibly welcoming and helped me step out of my comfort zone.”
During the rotation, Chan observed patient care, joined provider meetings, and even got permission to witness a delivery. She also had the opportunity to interview one of the community elders, which was a meaningful experience for her.
“I want to use everything I learn to help those in need, regardless of their social class, background, or location,” said Chan. “I want to give back to my community and continue learning throughout my career.”
Through TRUST, students like Butzke, Chan and Moffett experience the worthwhile impact rural providers have on underserved communities.
“Getting to know the community members made me feel more comfortable to help serve them one day,” Moffett added.
To learn more about TRUST, visit: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-health/departments/wwami/future-students/alaska-trust.cshtml