Medical Student Gains Hands-On Experience at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital
(Left to Right): Alex Arntt, Dr. Arlo Reimer, Jewel Davis, Marley Palmer, Lacy Bowman, Susan Aistrup, and Melissa Hagerman.
When Alex Arntt arrived in Larned for a month-long Family Medicine rotation at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH), he was nervous and unsure of his clinical skills. By the end of the experience, the third-year medical student had gained confidence in patient care, strengthened his clinical reasoning skills, and developed a deeper appreciation for rural healthcare.
Originally from Marysville, Kansas, Arntt is a student at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM) in Wichita. During his rotation at PVCH, he worked alongside Dr. Arlo Reimer and other providers in the Family Medicine Clinic, gathering patient histories, performing physical exams, and developing treatment plans. On most days, Arntt met with patients before Dr. Reimer, discussing their concerns, conducting examinations, and working through potential diagnoses and treatment options.
“Afterward, Dr. Reimer and I would discuss the case before he met with the patient,” Arntt said. “It was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real patient care.”
Although he grew up around a family health clinic in Marysville, Arntt said this experience allowed him to move beyond observation and take a more active role in patient care. The rotation helped him strengthen his history-taking, physical exam, and clinical reasoning skills while working closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and nursing staff.
“I came into the rotation nervous and unsure of my skills,” Arntt said. “The entire team was inviting, patient, and supportive. They created an environment where I could learn, ask questions, and gain confidence without being afraid of making mistakes. I don’t think I can fully express how much of a difference that made in my growth as a student.”
“Alex was a joy to work with,” said Dr. Arlo Reimer. “It was rewarding to see his knowledge expand and watch his clinical skills mature.”
The experience also reinforced Arntt’s appreciation for community-based healthcare and the relationships that exist between patients, providers, and neighbors.
“I think healthcare in communities like this is unique because of the connections people have with one another,” he said. “I’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors get to appointments and community members stepping in when someone needs support. That level of compassion and community involvement is something special.”
Providing hands-on learning opportunities for students is an important part of supporting the future of rural healthcare, according to PVCH Administrator Melanie Urban. “At PVCH, we’re proud to offer meaningful clinical experiences while showcasing the rewards and impact of practicing medicine in a rural community,” Urban said.
Although he has not yet decided on a specialty, Family Medicine moved higher on his list during his time at PVCH.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Family Medicine Clinic,” Arntt said. “I’m drawn to specialties that allow for meaningful patient interaction and long-term relationships. Family Medicine has certainly reinforced that interest.”
Outside of medicine, Arntt enjoys reading, golfing, swimming, and recently began learning to play guitar. He also enjoys spending time with his cat, Pepper, whenever he is home between rotations.
As he continues his medical education, Arntt said the lessons he learned in Larned will stay with him. “The kindness and support I experienced at PVCH and throughout the community made a lasting impression on me,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been here.”
