Marion McKinney – Thailand

Marion McKinney
MD Candidate | Class of 2028
UW School of Medicine and Public Health

One of my greatest goals in medicine is to better understand how different cultures approach health, wellness, and daily life. I believe this kind of cultural insight is key to becoming a thoughtful, well-rounded physician—especially in family medicine, where providers are often the first point of care for people from all walks of life.

Through the UW International Academic Program’s Thailand Field School, we explored health care in Thailand, from national policies to rural communities. One aspect that stood out to me was how intentionally the system is built: everyone, no matter where they live, is within 30 minutes of a health care facility. This is made possible by a tiered system in which village health volunteers play a critical role. These volunteers provide first aid, assist with medications, and serve as trusted, familiar faces—an essential link between public health policy and real-world implementation.

We stayed with and worked alongside one of these volunteers, and the dedication and care she showed for her community were palpable. That kind of personal connection is something I deeply value and hope to carry into my own practice.

I learned so much from this field school, and I’m excited to continue learning, comparing health systems, and broadening my perspective. I hope to engage in both public health policy and the kind of on-the-ground connection I witnessed in Thailand—an approach that aligns closely with community health–focused family medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health for a scholarship to cover some of my expenses for this program.

Published: June 2025