A careful job search and a dedication to rural health care have brought MacKenzie Wahl, M.D., back to Kansas—at last. After a two-year search supported by the Kansas Recruitment and Retention Center (KRRC), Wahl has accepted a position with Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, where she will begin practice in September 2025.

“This is a prime example of what sets our recruiting team apart from private firms,” said Joyce Grayson, director of Rural Health Education and Services, which oversees KRRC. “We invest in providers' long-term journeys and understand that finding the right fit sometimes takes time.”

A journey shared by Kansas and beyond

Raised on a farm in rural Riley County, Wahl developed an early interest in medicine while caring for animals. She worked as a certified nursing assistant through high school and college at Kansas State University, and she went on to earn her medical degree as a Rural Scholar at KU School of Medicine-Wichita. Wahl participated in the Kansas Medical Student Loan program, which incentivizes practicing in Kansas after residency. Wahl completed her family medicine residency at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial and an obstetrics fellowship at St. Anthony North in Denver.

When Wahl reached out to the recruitment and retention center in June 2022, she was looking for a Kansas community where she could practice family medicine with obstetrics while meeting her loan repayment goals.

“The search for my first attending job out of residency and fellowship training seemed very daunting and overwhelming when I first began looking,” Wahl said.

Multiple opportunities to start

Natalie Olmsted, who manages the recruitment and retention center, said Wahl approached the process with intention.

“She was very methodical in her search,” Olmsted said. “She explored multiple opportunities, went on several site visits and received numerous offers. Communities were impressed not only by her skill and training but by her deep compassion.”

Eventually, Wahl found that she and Neosho Memorial shared similar values.

“Natalie at the KRRC office was a fantastic resource and support throughout my search,” Wahl said. “After interviewing and visiting several great rural hospitals and clinics throughout our beautiful state, I found the perfect fit.”

Wahl’s successful placement underscores the center’s long-term, relationship-driven approach. The Neosho community is equally excited to welcome Wahl.

"We are pleased to have Dr. Wahl join our team,” said Wendy Brazil, chief executive officer at Neosho Memorial. “Her arrival is a significant step in supporting our mission to provide high-quality primary and obstetrical care at our rural critical access hospital. At a time when many rural hospitals are being forced to eliminate obstetrics care, we remain committed to ensuring local access to this essential service. Dr. Wahl will help us continue to offer comprehensive, compassionate care to patients and families in our community."

Highly recommended services

Wahl recommends the center's recruiting team to other providers beginning their job search in Kansas.

“KRRC played a key role in helping me find the right place for myself and my professional goals,” she said. “I'm really proud that the Sunflower State has such an amazing resource to help build and support our rural health workforce.”

The Kansas Recruitment and Retention Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center partners with more than 50 health care organizations across Kansas to strengthen recruitment and retention in rural and underserved communities. It connects hospitals and clinics with physicians, dentists, nurses, behavioral health professionals and other providers.

For more stories about recent placements, visit KRRC’s Facebook page.