Becoming The Physician I Never Expected

Dr. Hunter Allen Reflects on Residency in Lincoln, Nebraska

Choosing where to complete your residency is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your medical journey. It's not just about the program—it's about the people, the community, and who you’ll become in those pivotal years. For Hunter Allen, MD, completing his Family Medicine residency at Lincoln Family Medicine Center (LFMC) in Lincoln, Nebraska, was more than just training—it was a transformative experience that shaped him into the physician he says he never expected to become.

A Path to Unexpected Passions

“When I started residency, I thought I knew the kind of doctor I wanted to be,” Dr. Allen shares. “But the most rewarding part has been watching myself become the physician I am—and that person is very different from what I had imagined.”

That shift began with an unexpected opportunity: serving on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Academy of Family Physicians (NAFP). Originally planning to serve for a year, Dr. Allen found himself deeply inspired by advocacy work and healthcare policy. Representing Nebraska at the American Academy of Family Physicians in Washington, D.C., gave him a broader purpose beyond the exam room. “I care for patients intentionally and deliberately in the clinic,” he says, “but advocacy has allowed me to do the same for people across our state and country.”

A Culture of Mentorship and Mutual Respect

Residency is often described as intense—long hours, steep learning curves, and enormous responsibility. But at LFMC, Dr. Allen found support and mentorship that helped him thrive. “What’s special about Lincoln is that we’re treated as equals. Whether it's our core faculty or our volunteer specialists, there’s a real joy in learning together.”

He also discovered a passion for mentoring others, particularly incoming residents. “Three years ago, I was the one needing mentorship. Now I get to pass that on—and I take great pride in that. Teaching while building confidence in others has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Grounded by Community and Faith

Residency isn't only about what happens in the hospital or clinic. For Dr. Allen, life outside of medicine was just as important to staying balanced and avoiding burnout. The community he found at St. Michael Catholic Church played a vital role in his wellbeing. “They became my closest friends and greatest support system,” he says. “Staying active in my faith helped keep me grounded.”

That balance—between professional growth and personal grounding—helped Dr. Allen embrace the challenges of residency with confidence. His advice to new residents? “Be unapologetic. Step outside your comfort zone. You’re not alone here—there’s always someone to support you.”

Coming Full Circle in North Platte

Dr. Allen’s love for Family Medicine started during a third-year rotation in North Platte, Nebraska. “It’s where I did my first colonoscopy, cardioverted my first patient, and where I felt like I truly mattered. I was embraced by everyone—patients, staff, and the community.”

Now, as he begins his next chapter with Midlands Family Medicine and Great Plains Health in North Platte, Dr. Allen is returning to the place that first sparked his passion. “Every time I practice medicine there, I find joy. It's where my heart is.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re a medical student weighing your options for residency, Dr. Allen’s experience at Lincoln Family Medicine Center is a powerful testament to what’s possible when you choose a program that invests in you—not just as a physician, but as a leader, mentor, and member of the community.

“There’s something special about training in Lincoln,” he reflects. “It’s a place that lets you grow into the doctor you’re meant to be, even if you don’t know what that looks like just yet.”