Rob R., NP, has spent close to two years working out of the clinic in a small Yup’ik village on the Yukon River delta. He’s handled long nights as the only provider in town and raced across the frozen river by snow machine to reach patients. Ask him what keeps him coming back after every two-week break, and he doesn’t hesitate.

“I have really fallen in love with this community,” he says. “It’s just family and friends up here.”

People often ask how long he plans to stay. His answer is only half joking: until his wife gives him an ultimatum.

When new providers want to hear from someone who’s been there, WMS often sends them to Rob. He tells them all the same thing.

“This is like the Peace Corps. It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love. It just pays better.”

The love goes both ways. Rob says he’s met very few people in the village who aren’t appreciative, and that’s a big part of what keeps him going. The biggest compliment he’s ever gotten wasn’t a thank-you card. It was a whole king salmon, not filleted, just sitting in a box.

“You know you’re loved when people bring you a big salmon in a box,” he laughs. “I’m in with the cool kids.”