University of Washington School of Medicine
Hi, my name is Jesse Klejka and I was born in Bethel Alaska, colloquially known by some as the Paris of the Kuskokwim. I grew up playing on the tundra and mushing sled dogs in the winter before heading off to University of Alaska Fairbanks for a degree in molecular biology. Between undergrad and medical school I worked jobs in sea ice research and later in my hometown’s office of environmental health and engineering, where I spent time testing water for bacterial contamination, helping with rabies vaccinations and prepping sanitation for remote Alaskan villages without access to home piped water during the beginnings of the covid pandemic.
I attended University of Washington School of medicine, planning on going into family medicine to serve my home community; during my training, I got the opportunities to do a rural longitudinal rotation in Soldotna Alaska, as well as work in Anchorage at the Native health center, that solidified my plans to return to rural Alaska.
My interests in medicine include include Obgyn, preventative medicine, comprehensive reproductive care, IHS/underserved populations and addiction medicine. I’m excited to train in the Boise program, which has sent many talented physicians to my hometown, as well as its focus on full spectrum care. Outside of medicine my favorite books are scifi/fantasy/mystery and I love to trail run solo and with friends, hike, creative writing and baking treats for others.