WWAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION
The WWAMI School of Medical Education is a collaboration among six universities in five northwestern states — Washington, Wyoming, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ, Montana, and Idaho — and the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine.
The Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ (UAA) offers the Doctor of Medicine program and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical Studies. WWAMI enables Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æn medical students to begin their medical education in-state, completing the first two years at UAA before participating in required clinical rotations throughout the five-state WWAMI region during their third and fourth years.
After their second year, students can complete their clinical training in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ or at regional sites. The WWAMI Medical Program focuses on preparing physicians for primary care practice and increasing the number of doctors in rural and underserved areas. The program emphasizes excellence in research and teaching, with faculty committed to medical education and community health.
WWAMI is a medical school program, not a premedical program. Enrolled students are dual-enrolled at UAA and UW, completing an 18-month foundational phase that includes integrated basic and clinical sciences, with early exposure to rural healthcare.
This certificate is designed to help students who already have a baccalaureate degree prepare themselves for medical school and complete their pre-requisite coursework.
With a focus on primary and rural health care, the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI provides flexibility as you pursue your career goals with advanced patient care training, electives and other experiences that help you transition into residency training.
NEWS & Stories
Dr. Jean Snyder’s career in family medicine has spanned decades, continents, and nearly every corner of patient care. Now, after years of serving communities across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and beyond, she has been recognized as the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Family Physician of the Year by the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Academy of Family Physicians.
In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s public health landscape.
Laura Aspelund is a second-year medical student in the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI program. As a medical student mentor in the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native into Oncology (ANION) program, she helps guide Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Native high school and college students exploring careers in medicine.
The UAA College of Health proudly celebrated the recent renovation of Sally Monserud Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing the new high-tech labs and simulation center, expanded allied health programs, growth of the WWAMI program and critical partnerships addressing Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s growing health care needs.
Amanda Beery, MD, is not only providing care for women of all ages; she’s also shaping the next generation of physicians. A full-time OB/GYN and managing partner at Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Women’s Health, she is equally proud to call herself an Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI alum and medical educator.
Student & Community opportunities
Della Keats is a four (4) week, residential program for high school students on the UAA Anchorage campus. This program is fully funded, including travel, food, and accommodations.
This free, annual WWAMI event offers a full day of speakers, workshops and information for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine. High school students, undergraduates, college graduates, parents and school counselors are invited to attend.
The UW School of Medicine's Service Learning program provides students with opportunities to hone their skills while addressing the health needs of our underserved communities.
WWAMI offers numerous Pathways giving students the opportunity to pursue a particular interest and develop knowledge and skills specifically tailored to working with specific communities domestically and abroad.
Experience rural medicine with immersive programs such as , , , Della Keats, and many more!
Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Trust is a medical school program focused in rural underserved care, with the
hope that physician graduates will return to practice in the rural underserved communities
of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ.
Contact Us:
Phone: 907-786-4789
Fax: 907-786-4700
Email: uaa_wwami@alaska.edu
UAA Health Sciences Building
3795 Piper Street, Suite 301
Anchorage, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ 99504
Mailing Address:
3211 Providence Drive, HSB 301
Anchorage, Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ 99508
