UI Carver College of Medicine alum Sean Westendorf, MD, follows in the footsteps of his mother into health care.
Published: April 16, 2026
Editor’s note: The original version of this story was published by Waverly Health Center.
For Sean Westendorf, MD, practicing medicine in Waverly is more than just a job. Born and raised in the northeast Iowa community, he joined Waverly Health Center (WHC) in August 2025 as a family practice provider at Christophel Clinic. Westendorf now cares for neighbors, teachers, coaches, and friends who helped shape his journey.
Westendorf’s calling to medicine took root early.
“I was always interested in science growing up, but I thought I’d be an engineer,” he says. “That changed after an anatomy class in high school sparked my fascination with the human body. My mom, who was a nurse for many years, also showed me the impact health care can make.”
Westendorf says programs like Waverly Health Center’s Mini-Medical University also helped shape his path. The program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at health care, through hands-on learning and guidance from WHC providers and staff.
“It was the first time I could really picture myself working in medicine,” Westendorf says.
Rural health care comes into focus at Iowa
After graduating from Waverly-Shell Rock High School, Westendorf studied biology at Luther College, where he was also a pitcher on the baseball team. He went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine through the Rural Iowa Scholars Program (CRISP), which gave him specialized training for rural health care. He also completed a family medicine residency at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, gaining experience in pediatrics, obstetrics, inpatient care, and more.
“Once I decided on primary care, I knew I wanted to practice in a rural setting,” Westendorf says. “My wife and I both grew up in Waverly, and we know how special this community is. Early on, I started making connections so that I could come back home and serve the people who raised us.”
For Westendorf, Waverly’s size is part of its strength. He said the town offers the best of both worlds. It’s a close-knit community where neighbors look out for each other, but with the resources usually found in bigger cities.
“Not every small town has a hospital like Waverly Health Center,” he says. “It means a lot for families to have access to quality care without leaving town.”
Building long-term relationships
Now at Christophel Clinic, Westendorf is enjoying the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients of all ages.
“Continuity of care is what I’ve been looking forward to most,” he says. “In medical school, you rotate so often you rarely get to know patients long-term. Here, I can walk alongside families over the years, helping them set goals and navigate their health journeys.”
Outside of work, Westendorf enjoys life with his wife and two young children. You might spot him cheering on Go-Hawk sports, playing pickup basketball, or golfing with friends. And while sports are a big part of his life, one hobby that might surprise his patients is baking.
“During COVID, I got hooked on The Great British Baking Show,” Westendorf says. “I even made a croquembouche once which is a tower of cream puffs glued together with caramel. It took six hours, and it was the toughest thing I’ve ever baked, but also the most fun.”
Sean Westendorf, MD, received specialized training for rural health care through the Rural Iowa Scholars Program at the UI Carver College of Medicine. He returned to Waverly with his family in August 2025 to care for others in his hometown.
Westendorf applies the same kind of dedication to his patients. His philosophy of care is simple: listen first, then guide.
“I see myself as a guide,” Westendorf says. “Education and training give me tools, but my patients bring their own lived experiences. Together, we find the path that’s right for them.”
