Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska WWAMI student Martin Juarez-Alvarado saw firsthand how the cost of care can prevent families from getting the medical attention they need.
“Even when care was sought, treatment often had to be delayed or abandoned entirely because they couldn’t afford to pay for services,” he said.
Those early experiences sparked a deep desire to make a difference. Now, as a first-year medical student, Juarez-Alvardo is channeling that inspiration into action.
“As a future physician, I hope to volunteer my time and services to help marginalized communities,” he said.
He’s currently exploring interests in orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology, and emergency medicine. But these days, perhaps his most important role begins after class: being dad to two-year-old Oliver.
Balancing medical school with fatherhood is no small feat. Fortunately, both his and his wife’s families have stepped in to help care for Oliver while they pursue their education. Even so, Juarez-Alvarado admits that the emotional tug-of-war can be difficult.
“Some coursework requires more intensive studying, which takes time away from my wife and son,” he said. “Yet when I’m with them, I sometimes feel guilty for not studying.”
It’s a constant push and pull. Regardless, fatherhood provides him with a deep sense of perspective and purpose.
“The most rewarding part is coming home to a child who doesn’t care about exams or rotations—just that I’m there,” Juarez-Alvarado said. “That unconditional love reminds me of why I’m working so hard. It makes the journey feel deeply meaningful.”
Being a parent has also helped shape him into a more empathetic future doctor.
“It helps me connect with families on a more personal level, especially when caring for pediatric or family medicine patients,” he said.
Time management has also become one of his most valuable tools – one he knows will benefit him as both a doctor and a dad.
“As a parent, I aspire to be present, supportive, and a strong role model for my child. I want to build a life where medicine and fatherhood don’t compete, but 
instead enrich each other,” he said.
Giving back to Alaska is a big part of that vision. Though his residency plans are still a couple of years away, Juarez-Alvarado is committed to returning to serve the people of his home state.
“There’s a major physician shortage here,” he said. “As an Alaskan, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to help meet that need.”
Anchorage is also where both sides of the family live — a strong pull for a young family looking to stay rooted.
“We want our son to grow up surrounded by family,” he said.
This Father’s Day, Juarez-Alvarado plans to unplug from his studies and head to Seward with his wife, son, and extended family for a weekend of camping and fishing—soaking in the quiet moments that give meaning to it all.