WWAMI Stories and Student Features

Idaho WWAMI is thrilled to celebrate Kevin Glover, MD, a resident physician at Kootenai Health, as the recipient of the 2024–2025 Family Medicine Faculty Professionalism Award. A WWAMI student nominated Dr. Glover for the award, highlighting his ability to prioritize both learning and compassionate patient care. In 2023, Dr. Glover graduated from the UW School […]

As Idaho WWAMI continues to grow and adapt to the needs of today’s students and the patients they will serve, alumni perspectives offer a grounding reminder of how far medical education has come. Two graduates, separated by a decade but united by shared roots in Idaho WWAMI, recently reflected on what has changed since their […]

Dr. Vincent Raikhel led an inspiring session on reconnecting with one’s passion for teaching. He encouraged educators to reflect on what brings meaning to their work and to identify practices that sustain enthusiasm through the demands of patient care. Later in the morning, he described how busy clinicians can integrate impactful teaching into their practices […]

Idaho WWAMI is proud to honor four members of its extended WWAMI-ly who were named to the Idaho Business Review’s Idaho 500. This year’s honorees include longtime Boise VA physician-educator Dr. Paula Carvalho and Director of the North Idaho Area Health Center Liz Bryant, as well as Idaho WWAMI Advisory Board members Skip Oppenheimer and […]

Idaho WWAMI is celebrating Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Mary Barinaga, named to the Idaho Business Review’s Idaho 500, a statewide honor recognizing visionary leaders shaping Idaho’s future. Dr. Barinaga was selected for her years of service to rural communities, her deep commitment to medical education, and her leadership in strengthening Idaho’s physician workforce pipeline. Her […]

Second-year Montana WWAMI students Mackenzie Bernhardt and Tim Sonnenberg are leading an effort that blends clinical learning with community impact. As co-leads of the Neighborhood Health Initiative (NHI), they oversee twice-monthly foot care clinics in partnership with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)’s Homeward Point shelter in Bozeman, bringing essential health services directly to members […]

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Montana WWAMI is honored to feature first-year medical student Brianna Merchant Bull Shows from the the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. Her path to medicine is deeply rooted in identity, family, and community. Growing up in Pryor, Montana, Brianna saw firsthand the challenges her community faces in accessing healthcare—and the […]

Faculty from across Montana gathered in Bozeman earlier this month for a dynamic Montana WWAMI Faculty Retreat, an energizing day focused on strengthening curriculum, enhancing student support, and expanding rural-training partnerships. The retreat opened with an insightful presentation from Dr. Laura Goodell, Stern Regional Faculty Educator, who walked attendees through the University of Washington School […]

Second-year Montana WWAMI medical students turned research into action this month, sharing forward-thinking ideas to improve health across the state at the annual poster session in Bozeman. The research of 27 students highlighted how tackling real-world questions alongside classroom learning builds critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in the skills they’ll use as future physicians. This […]

On National Rural Health Day (November 20, 2025), we proudly celebrated Dr. Susan Gallo, a full-scope family medicine physician at Billings Clinic Miles City and a longtime Montana WWAMI preceptor. Dr. Gallo’s dedication strengthens rural care across the state while shaping the next generation of physicians. Dr. Gallo practices everything family medicine has to offer: […]