Primary care appeals to med student from Troy

Troy native Sarah Reichert began a monthlong rural medicine rotation in Libby last week while working toward a degree from Kansas City University of Medicine, Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Reichert, the daughter of Troy residents Chris and Jackie Reichert, graduates May 15 and will start her medical residency in July at a yet-to-be determined hospital. She plans to go into primary care and specialize in internal medicine.

Growing up in Troy, Reichert’s vision of medicine has always been primary care, the services provided by local doctors.   

“I’ve been around Dr. Cuskelly and Dr. Gunther and Dr. Rice forever and they’ve always impressed me with the way they’ve handled their patients and the way they’re viewed in the community,” Reichert said. “I think they’re kind of my mentors whether they know it or not.” 

Reichert and classmates returned Sunday last week from a two-week medical mission in Guatemala, serving a total of 2,010 patients. Reichert was humbled by their serious lack of medical care, as well as intimidated by the number of people dependent on her and her classmates.

“To see 300 people line up for medical care – it’s like, what am I going to do and how are we going to see this many?” she recalled. “It’s just amazing how we worked together and just got it done.”