For Idaho WWAMI student Natalie Warr of Boise, the desire to become a physician began early—shaped by watching people she loved struggle to access health care and trust the system. Her
RUOP rotation gave her the opportunity to turn that early calling into hands-on experience serving a rural Idaho community.
Natalie completed her four-week Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP) rotation at Family Health Services in Twin Falls from June 29 to July 24, 2026 under the mentorship of preceptor Cathy Canty, MD. The elective gives rising second-year students an opportunity to immerse themselves in community medicine while learning firsthand about the unique challenges and rewards of practicing in rural and underserved communities.
Natalie knew by eighth grade that she wanted to help improve health care for people facing barriers to care. She went on to attend the College of Idaho, where she balanced her studies with playing in the marching band and working as a certified nursing assistant. That hands-on clinical experience strengthened her commitment to medicine and gave her an early glimpse into the patient care she hopes to provide.
Today, Natalie is considering a career in family medicine, pediatrics or obstetrics and gynecology. Through RUOP, she was eager to deepen her understanding of the needs of Idaho’s underserved communities while learning from physicians practicing in a rural setting.
Outside the clinic, Natalie enjoys hiking, reading and playing music. She’s also always ready to put her knowledge to the test at a trivia night with friends.