Meet Gretta Pickett, a 2nd year Seattle WWAMI medical student who is now in her Rural and Underserved Opportunities Program placement in Nome, Alaska.
This summer she’s looking forward to learning about the practice of medicine in rural Alaska, how traditional foods and practices shape health in Alaska Native communities, and building her physical exam skills.
Gretta’s path to medicine began at a birth center after college, where she became fascinated by how people relate to the healthcare system — when, where, and how they access care — and loved supporting patients through moments like pregnancy and birth. She’s passionate about mental health, and as an Alaska Native (Iñupiaq) she feels strongly about increasing Native representation in medicine and advocating for health systems that empower Native communities.
She’s currently exploring family medicine and psychiatry, and hopes to return to Alaska to practice.
Outside of medicine? Gretta loves being outside in any capacity; running, whitewater kayaking, biking, and “falling off of surfboards.” Fun fact: she once sea kayaked from the Lower 48 all the way to Alaska.