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.
Students will experience university residential life, complete health science-related
pre-college coursework, carry out health-related research projects, and complete at
least four different medical or health care professional job shadows.
Named after Della Keats, an Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Native Inupiaq traditional healer from the Kotzebue
region. Della Keats provided both educational and medical services to her people throughout
her life, and believed strongly in the importance of expanding, maintaining, and sharing
medical knowledge in ways that would benefit both Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Native people and the broader
Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æn community. The Della Keats Program is administered by the UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education (Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI).
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 Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ and beyond, she has been recognized as the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Family Physician of the Year by the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Academy of Family Physicians.
In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°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 Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æâ€™s public health landscape.
Laura Aspelund is a second-year medical student in the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI program. As a medical student mentor in the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Native into Oncology (ANION) program, she helps guide Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°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 Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æâ€™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 Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ Women’s Health, she is equally proud to call herself an Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ WWAMI alum and medical educator.