For Karen Sanchez-Reyes, rural medicine is more than a career path—it reflects the community that first inspired her to become a physician.
Karen completed her four-week Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP) rotation at Valor Health in Emmett from June 29 to July 24, 2026 under the mentorship of preceptor Madison Beatty, 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.
Born in Mexico City, Karen moved to American Falls, Idaho, when she was 9 years old. Growing up there as the second oldest of six siblings, she saw firsthand how limited access to healthcare can affect families and communities. Those experiences helped shape her desire to pursue medicine and serve patients who face similar barriers to care.
For Karen, RUOP offered a natural extension of that journey—an opportunity to connect with an underserved community while gaining firsthand experience in rural healthcare. Her time in Emmett allowed her to learn from practicing physicians and deepen her understanding of the unique needs of patients in rural Idaho.
Away from the clinic, Karen enjoys taking long walks with her two golden retrievers and experimenting with recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world.