Fairchild Medical Center is proud to celebrate Dr. Marriott for being named the 2026 Community Health Scholars Preceptor of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional physician educators across four physician workforce programs: REACH, Rural PRIME, TEACH-MS, and Tribal Health PRIME.

The annual award recognizes a single preceptor who exemplifies excellence in teaching and mentorship, mission-driven patient-centered care, service to underserved communities, professionalism, advocacy, and dedication to student learning.

Dr. Marriott earned the recognition following a nomination from a Rural PRIME medical student who completed a Pediatrics Clerkship under his guidance. The student praised Dr. Marriott’s commitment to education, describing him as an exceptional mentor whose daily teaching, encouragement, and personalized support had a profound impact on their medical training.

Throughout the clerkship, Dr. Marriott provided opportunities that extended well beyond the clinical setting. The student participated in community stakeholder meetings, ethics committee discussions, and school-based collaborations focused on improving youth mental health and addressing bullying in rural communities.

In the clinic, Dr. Marriott modeled compassionate, high-quality pediatric care while demonstrating the importance of teamwork and collaboration. The student noted his commitment to involving learners in patient care, procedures, and interprofessional collaboration, helping them better understand the realities and rewards of rural medicine.

Dr. Marriott was also recognized for his dedication to addressing barriers faced by underserved populations. His efforts include maintaining a resource inventory for families that includes books, toothbrushes, toys, and multilingual educational materials, as well as volunteering at a community clinic serving children with severe disabilities.

According to Community Health Scholars program leaders, Dr. Marriott exemplifies the values their programs seek to instill in future physicians.

“We are truly proud to partner with Dr. Marriott,” program representatives shared. “The education he provides, both in clinical skills and in what it means to serve rural communities with integrity and compassion, shapes the kind of physicians our programs aim to develop.”

Dr. Marriott’s recognition highlights the vital role physician mentors play in preparing the next generation of healthcare providers and reflects his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for rural communities.

Fairchild Medical Center congratulates Dr. Marriott on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his dedication to patients, students, and the communities he serves.