Shadowing a role model can unlock pathways that last a lifetime. 

Tyrel Somers, M.D., recently honored for his impact as a preceptor, once dreamed of becoming a science teacher. His dad worked as a math teacher at Natoma High School in northern Kansas, and Somers envisioned himself teaching right across the hall from his father’s classroom. That changed when a mentor at Fort Hays State University arranged for Somers to shadow a local anesthesiologist. 

“We probably did 12 or 13 cases of anesthesia. And, well, I knew at that point anesthesia wasn't my love,” Somers said. “I fell in love with the idea of taking care of people and really, really wanted to pursue medicine.” 

The immersive experience set him on a new path. Somers earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and psychology from Fort Hays in 2008, followed by his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2012. Along the way, two family medicine preceptors — Lynn Fisher, M.D., in Plainville and Earl Merkel, M.D., in Russell — had a profound influence on him. 

Now, it’s Somers’ turn to guide the next generation.  

Preceptor of the Year 

Preceptors play a critical role in shaping future physicians by providing real-world experience. 

Somers, who serves as chief of medical staff at Russell Regional Hospital, never lost his passion for teaching. In the fall of 2024, KU Medical Center’s Office of Rural Medical Education recognized his dedication and named Somers its inaugural Preceptor of the Year. 

Over the past nine years, Somers has guided more than 15 students preparing for careers in health care from theory to practice. His mentoring began with physician assistant students from Wichita State University but expanded when Fisher, now a member of the faculty at KU School of Medicine-Wichita, saw the value of placing students with Somers at Russell Regional.  

“Often these clinical experiences can help cement a rural student’s desire to practice in rural Kansas and can plant some seeds in urban students who are open to a rural practice,” Fisher explained. “Even if students end up practicing in urban locations, spending that time with a rural preceptor helps the students to see some of the challenges and barriers that rural physicians face and limitations that necessitate transferring patients to an urban tertiary hospital. They also likely have seen specialty outreach clinics or telehealth modeled and so may be able to help rural patients in that capacity in the future.” 

Hosting students can benefit preceptors as well. “Hosting students kept me up to date on the latest in medicine and helped to prevent burnout,” Fisher noted. 

Hands-on Approach to Learning 

Somers ensures his students take an active role in patient care. They conduct interviews, perform exams, develop treatment plans and present their recommendations — an experience that larger facilities often can't provide. 

He tailors clinical experiences to each student's interests. Those drawn to emergency medicine shadow ER physicians and evaluate patients alongside him. Students interested in oncology spend time with cancer patients, learning about treatments and survivorship. 

“I think a month is so much more enjoyable when I have someone here who's actively learning, trying to get some things in rural medicine which you just don't see in the urban areas,” said Somers. “Giving them the opportunity to see those things is a huge part of why I enjoy rural medicine, but also rural family practice.”  

As a board-certified family physician and wound care specialist, Somers treats a wide range of cases — from wound care and chronic disease management to performing surgeries, endoscopies and nursing home rounds. He hopes to become certified in obesity medicine in the future. 

Fighting Burnout with Passion 

When asked how he manages burnout, Somers acknowledges its inevitability but focuses on what fuels him. 

“I think the biggest way that I handle burnout is by first accepting that it is part of the work that I do,” Somers said. “It is unavoidable because of the nature of the work in my area. However, I would say the second thing is finding a passion for what you do that overcomes the feelings of that burnout. 

“I often say to my students and family for every bad thing that happens, I have over a hundred positive life changing interactions with people. That inspires me to keep helping my patients. I truly love the people of Russell County and surrounding areas that call me their doctor. It is an honor to enjoy caring for them and when I feel like burnout is setting in spending time with them where I take the time to have a positive interaction helps me continue while reducing those feelings of burnout.” 

Life on the Farm 

Somers grew up in Natoma with five siblings, a teacher father, and a mother who worked in medical records at Hays Medical Center. 

He met his wife, Jessica, through his brother in college. It was an “instant kind of love,” and they were married within six months. They have eight daughters (two are grown and have moved out) and live on a small farm just outside of Russell, with gardens, sheep, a goat, chickens, ducks, some Guinea fowl and dogs and cats, too. An avid board game collector, Somers has amassed over 700 board games, with a dedicated “tavern” in their renovated home where friends and family gather to play. His favorite game these days is the card game Magic the Gathering.  

“I really, really enjoy the DIY aspect of things like remodeling,” Somers said. “I told my wife to remind me all the time that if I'm sitting down, something's probably wrong.” 

Beyond his medical career, he envisions contributing to the community in new ways. He and his wife own a building in Russell and hope to turn it into a business that benefits the community. 

Despite his demanding career, Somers makes family his top priority, whether he’s juggling his schedule to attend a school event or a sports competition. 

“While I'm a very busy physician, it's easy to find that balance between those two so that I'm prioritizing [my children] and making sure that they know that they have a dad, that even though he’s a doctor, he's still going to be there for you,” Somers said. 

For Somers, medicine is a calling and precepting a passion, but his work as a family man remains his greatest role. 

If you are interested in knowing more about opportunities in rural areas, please visit our Kansas Recruitment and Retention Center or email our program manager at nolmsted@kumc.edu.