Pictured is John Letzo, who will be filling the position of nurse practitioner for Clymer Rural Health Clinic. Submitted photo

CLYMER — The Clymer Rural Health Clinic has officially welcomed a new nurse practitioner to their office, and now John Letzo is working on introducing himself to the community.

Before coming to Clymer and even before becoming a nurse practitioner, Letzo began his career as a firefighter and paramedic. It was when he enrolled in a medical program because he saw the shortage in care providers and wanted to help.

“I was convinced by a guy that I worked with to enroll in a medical program as a backup in case I got hurt,” Letzo said. “I worked in critical care and I saw the shortage in preventative care and care providers, especially after COVID. The wait times were excessive as well and I wanted to find out how I could help. So, I enrolled in a program and began working to bring care to wherever it was needed on the preventative side.”

Letzo said he ended up coming to Clymer because of a required clinical time he had to do for his courses. He worked with Dr. Breon in LECOM’s Corry office, who he also knew in high school, and was later approached to see if he might be interested in a job in Clymer. Coming from a small town community himself, and having a big family with five kids of his own, Letzo thought it would be a good fit.

A meet-and-greet was also held for Letzo to meet the community on Tuesday night. As he works to meet the community as he steps into the new role, Letzo emphasized that he wanted people to know that he was personable.

“I’m very laid-back,” Letzo said. “I am a people person, and a family person. I enjoy being outdoors and I’m used to a small town environment. I have a big family and am approachable. Coming from a small town community, I am used to a small farming community and area like Clymer.”

Besides working, Letzo enjoys hunting, fishing, scuba diving, traveling and camping with his family. He also has four dogs and likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Looking towards his future in Clymer, Letzo hopes he will fit well with the area.

“I hope to fit in with Clymer and be able to gain the trust of the community,” Letzo said. “I hope they will accept me and that I will have found a place that I can retire from.”

Letzo invited anyone to stop by the Clymer Rural Health Clinic, 354 Clymer-Corry Road, to meet him and say hello.