Idaho WWAMI

Jordan Richter

Doctor of Medicine, Class of 2026

Hometown: Moscow, Idaho

Immersing myself in the foundational medical education at the University of Idaho has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I'm gaining the skills and tools to serve my country and my community as a future physician. The dedication of faculty and instructors in the Idaho WWAMI Medical Education Program has made this rigorous curriculum manageable, enjoyable and inspiring.

This year, I took part in the immersive Rural Underserved Opportunities Program at Twin Falls, Idaho. The experience highlighted the need for good, qualified physicians in our state and rekindled my desire to become a doctor. I was also able to attend the wilderness medicine retreat led by St. Mary's Health in Cottonwood, Idaho, where I bonded with classmates, learned more about our beautiful state and gained knowledge and experience that could help save a life someday. It was heartwarming to see the dedication of the hosting healthcare providers and the love that they have for the people they serve.

As a second-year medical student, I am now teaching many of our first-year students as a co-leader in the wilderness medicine elective and a teacher in the anatomy elective. It’s exciting to help others encounter what I have learned. Interest groups and clubs in our program have also helped me explore my interests and learn how they align with a future career.

Medicine is the field where I can do the most good and help the largest number of people. Before coming to this university, I loved my time as a medic with the U.S. Army, providing care to people in need. Post-graduation, I will serve as an Army doctor with the rank of captain. I am interested in emergency medicine, cardiology, surgery and obstetrics. That’s a lot of options, but luckily I have some time to decide on my path. Following my service, I plan to return to Idaho to serve the wonderful people in our communities.

The most important thing that donors do for students is alleviate their stress and worry, allowing scholarship recipients to focus their time and energy on studies and activities that make the most of their educational experience.

The most important thing that donors do for students is alleviate their stress and worry, allowing scholarship recipients to focus their time and energy on studies and activities that make the most of their educational experience. Scholarships like the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program are an invaluable gift. As a married person raising four kids, I would like to spend as much time with my family as possible outside my studies. Your support lets me be a father to my kids and a husband to my wife, giving them the attention they need while advancing my education, career and service. For that, I am incredibly grateful. Thank you!