In a quiet Montana valley surrounded by mountains and memories, medical student Willis Pullman is writing his own chapter of fatherhood, purpose and perseverance. Having recently passed his Step 2 exam, Pullman is a rising fourth-year medical student, celebrating not just academic progress, but a growing family and a life built with intention.
Born in Butte and raised in Cardwell, Pullman says Jefferson Valley has always felt like home. “I’ve always loved this valley—wide open spaces, mountains right there and plenty of room to breathe,” he notes.
After graduating from high school in Whitehall and earning his undergraduate degree at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, Pullman remained closely tied to his Montana roots during medical training by participating in the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP) and the WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience (WRITE)—both designed to prepare students for rural practice and strengthen the rural physician workforce. Currently, he’s back in Cardwell studying and soaking in time with family.
Pullman and his wife, Lexi, are parents to two-year-old Elli and recently welcomed their second daughter, Josephine, in April. “Life’s busy, but we make it work,” he says. “Having a solid routine helps. I keep a clear line between school and family. When I’m working, I focus on that. When I’m home, I’m fully present with them.”
His inspiration to pursue medicine comes from a mix of mentors and personal experience. His high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Kinzer, sparked his interest in science. Jovanka Voyich, a mentor at MSU, helped him believe a future in medicine was possible. And perhaps most influential was his father, an infectious disease physician in Butte: “Watching how impactful his work was in the community—and the impact patients had on him—made me first consider going into medicine.”
To fellow students considering having kids during medical school, Pullman offers both realism and encouragement: “It’s hard. No way around that. But it’s also great. Watching Elli discover the world is the best part of my day. She reminds me there’s always something new to laugh at, figure out or be amazed by—sometimes all at once. You’ve got to get good at managing your time and making space for your family. And don’t try to do it all alone. Ask for help. Accept help. That makes a big difference.”
Outside of medicine and family life, Pullman finds balance and renewal in nature—hiking, hunting, riding horses, snowboarding and rock climbing. As he moves into his final year of medical school and prepares for residency, Pullman remains focused on what matters most: being the best father, partner and future physician he can be.
“I’m just trying to show up, stay grounded and keep growing,” reflects Pullman.