Alexander Trecartin, MD

Wausau resident Alexander Trecartin, MD, had many experiences on the path to family medicine. (Photo: Aspirus)

A medical mission to Peru. A master’s-level education in parasitology. A year as a high school science teacher.

For Wausau resident Alexander Trecartin, MD, all of these experiences were essential steps in the path toward becoming a family doctor.

A Mission Trip to Peru

Dr. Trecartin’s journey began as an undergraduate at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, near where he grew up. After his first year, he traveled to rural Peru on a medical mission, where he helped treat parasitic diseases, remove decayed teeth, and provide other medical care for people there.

“One of the things that struck me was the public health dimension of medicine,” he reflects. “We can go into a small village and make a huge difference in people’s lives…but there’s a tremendous benefit to having someone there who can provide care on a regular basis.”

The experience ignited a passion for overseas humanitarian work. A year later, he switched his major from engineering to biology, but medicine was not yet part of his plan.

From Parasitology to Medicine

After college, Dr. Trecartin completed a master’s degree in biology under the mentorship of a parasitology professor. Recognizing his interest in the field’s clinical applications—its impact on disease and treatments to improve people’s lives—he had to choose between pursuing a PhD or a career in medicine.

In the two weeks between graduation and starting a job as a high school science teacher in Texas, he studied for the MCAT® exam and applied to medical school. A year later, he entered Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

An ‘All-Around Doctor’

Dr. Trecartin entered medical school thinking he would ultimately specialize in infectious disease. But he soon discovered the rewards of family medicine.

“I wanted to be able to do procedures, take care of a variety of patients and build relationships over time,” he says. “Given my interest in overseas work, I also wanted to be an ‘all-around doctor.’”

The Wausau residency program proved to be a perfect fit, both personally and professionally. It offers four distinct seasons and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, plus what Dr. Trecartin calls “a culture of encouragement” that fosters clinical excellence.

“It’s hard to know the internal culture of a program before you get there,” he recalls, “but this is truly a family atmosphere.”

“I wanted to be able to do procedures, take care of a variety of patients and build relationships over time. I also wanted to be an ‘all-around doctor.’”

—Wausau resident Alexander Trecartin, MD

Rural Work and Life

In the future, Dr. Trecartin wants to work and live in a rural setting, and care for an underserved population. Wausau residency program coordinator Deanna Froehlich confirms that desire. “His eyes light up when he talks about rural medicine,” she says.

He also wants to practice overseas, perhaps long term. But for now, he’s happy to be back in the Midwest. When not working, he and his wife enjoy the beauty of north-central Wisconsin and the proximity to their families in Michigan and Missouri.

“By and large, family doctors love what they do,” he observes, “but they also can have other interests. I appreciate that!”

Published: May 2018