Third-year Montana WWAMI medical student Alex Wickens knows firsthand how uncertain the path to medicine can feel, especially for students growing up in rural towns. That’s why he’s committed to giving back by visiting high schools across Montana, encouraging students to consider futures in medicine and educating them about the WWAMI program.
Wickens, who grew up in Lewistown and is currently completing his clinical training in Miles City, shares his own story to help students see what’s possible — no matter where they come from.
“As a high school student, I had a lot of uncertainty about going to college and all that it entailed,” said Wickens. “I wish someone would have come to talk to me about what to expect. So, I figured I could be that person for someone else.”
During his presentations, Wickens breaks down the path to becoming a doctor, introduces the WWAMI program (which allows students to begin medical school in Montana), and speaks openly about the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in rural healthcare.
“One of the biggest issues in rural medicine is the shortage of providers. WWAMI is designed to help solve that problem,” he explained. “I didn’t even know Montana had a medical school when I was in high school.”
Now Wickens is focused on rural primary care and hopes to return to Lewistown as a family or internal medicine physician after completing his education.
A first-generation college student, Wickens earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas Permian Basin, where he was named the outstanding biology graduate of 2022. Before starting medical school, he worked in construction to pay for tuition and later worked as a phlebotomist in Lewistown’s hospital and at a local plasma donation center.
“I wanted to do something that was worthwhile and would make a difference in my community,” he said. “The greatest need I saw was for rural doctors.”
His message to rural students: You belong, and you’re needed.
“No matter what self-doubt you may have, or where you come from, you truly can make a difference in your community,” he said. “All it takes is time and dedication.”