When Jenna Carlson arrived at Lakewood Health System last year as a Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) medical student, she hoped to become a better physician.
She never imagined she would also become a patient.
After spending nine months learning alongside Lakewood providers and caring for patients, Carlson returned to the place that had become her second home. But this time to welcome her daughter, Emmy, into the world.
“It felt like my RPAP experience had come full circle,” Carlson said. “I couldn’t imagine anywhere else to deliver my daughter.”
A passion for rural medicine
Carlson grew up in Royalton and now lives in Nisswa with her fiancé, Matt, their newborn daughter, Emmy, and their pets. Her small-town upbringing inspired her desire to one day care for families in a rural community.
While attending the University of Minnesota Medical School, she intentionally sought out Lakewood’s RPAP program because of its reputation for obstetric care.
“I came into medical school interested in women’s health, and I knew the high-volume labor and delivery experience at Lakewood would give me great hands-on learning opportunities,” she said.
Working and learning from family physicians Dr. Lindsay Leveille and Dr. Ryan Kroll became one of the defining experiences of Carlson’s medical education.
“They are outstanding physicians! They are compassionate mentors who genuinely care about their patients. They trusted me with responsibility while always creating a supportive environment where I could continue to grow.”
Carlson also saw firsthand how rural medicine extends beyond diagnosing and treating illness. She watched physicians connect patients with community resources, collaborate with social workers and help families navigate challenges beyond their medical care.
“That experience reinforced why I hope to practice rural medicine after residency,” she said.
Although Carlson was initially nervous about spending nine months as one of the hospital’s few medical students, it didn’t take long for her to feel at home.
“On my very first day, I was welcomed as part of the team,” she said. “They became like a second family.”
That connection became even more meaningful when Carlson learned she was pregnant.
“Everyone celebrated alongside me and continued to support me throughout my pregnancy,” she said.
After witnessing Lakewood’s compassionate care each day, Carlson said choosing where to deliver her baby was easy.
“Choosing another hospital never crossed my mind. I knew I would receive outstanding medical care. And I knew I would be surrounded by people who cared about me and my family.”
New perspective
Although Carlson had participated in many deliveries as a med student, becoming the patient gave her a new appreciation for the birth experience, especially the role of the nursing team. “The nurses were incredible and stayed by my side through every step of labor,” she said.
The experience reinforced an important lesson Carlson plans to carry into her own medical career.
“Patients remember how you made them feel. And the kindness, communication and trust the providers and nurses showed me are things I hope to carry with me throughout my career.”
One of the most impactful parts of Carlson’s experience was having Dr. Leveille transition from mentor to her physician.
“I had spent months watching Dr. Leveille care for women during some of the most important moments of their lives, and then I was fortunate enough to experience that same compassion myself,” Carlson said.
For Dr. Leveille, sharing Jenna’s journey was equally special.
“It was such a privilege to be a part of Jenna’s journey as both a student and a new mom to Emmy,” Dr. Leveille said. “During our months working together, I watched her help care for families and deliver a record 118 babies during her RPAP, and then end the experience by delivering her own baby. What an accomplishment to grow your own baby while helping so many others come into the world. Jenna is amazing!”
Despite a few sleepless nights, she said every moment has been worth it.
“Motherhood has been the greatest blessing,” she said.
Looking ahead
Carlson hopes to become a rural OB-GYN — a path solidified by her time at Lakewood.
“RPAP confirmed both my decision to pursue OB-GYN and my desire to practice in a rural community,” she said.
Returning to Lakewood as a patient reinforced the importance of building trust, treating patients as people rather than numbers and recognizing the lasting impact of compassionate care.
“I came to Lakewood hoping to become a better med student, but I left with so much more. I found mentors who shaped the physician I hope to become, friendships that will last a lifetime, and a community that felt like home.”