Behind every successful Idaho WWAMI medical student is a team of dedicated administrative professionals ensuring clinical education runs smoothly. Each year, the Idaho WWAMI Administrative Impact Award honors those whose behind-the-scenes efforts make every medical student’s rotation and learning experience exceptional.
This year’s recipients include:
• Kaylie Elliott, Saint Alphonsus Health System
• Amanda Junttila, Kootenai Health
• Kaye Nelson, Full Circle Health
• Krista Schuster, St. Luke’s Health System
• Nikki Shortman, Bingham Memorial Hospital
• Tanya Smith, Portneuf Medical Center
• Boise VAMC Health Professions Education team
For Amanda Junttila of Kootenai Health and the other recipients, the recognition was unexpected and a meaningful acknowledgment of their daily work.
“I was surprised and honored to receive this award,” she said. “It really means a lot! It is so important to make sure students have the access they need to ensure they have a successful rotation.”
“Everything I do and put together is in pursuit of ensuring their time with us meets a standard that would make students consider our hospital as a potential start to their future after graduation,” Tanya Smith, of Portneuf Medical Center said. “The little things I do to make sure students have a great experience are impactful enough to be noticed.”
At St. Luke’s Health System, Krista Schuster echoed similar sentiments about the value of working behind the scenes to support learners.
“It means so much to me because, although my work is behind the scenes, it’s rewarding to know that I’m making a real impact on the students and educators I support,” she said. “I take great pride in ensuring every process runs smoothly, not just to meet organizational policies, but to reduce stress for students and WWAMI staff during their onboarding and all rotations. Being a reliable resource for them is incredibly important to me.”
At Full Circle Health, Kaye Nelson has spent nearly two decades ensuring Idaho WWAMI students feel supported throughout their training.
“It has been such a pleasure to get to know these students and to watch them grow into wonderful physicians; many of them matching with our program as residents and then becoming part of our residency faculty who continue to train the next generation of medical students,” Nelson said. “It’s such a full circle moment to see this in real time!”
For Kaylie Elliott of Saint Alphonsus Health System, the award offered a moment of reflection on the everyday impact of her work.
“I have always believed that you can make a difference, one person at a time, no matter what you are doing,” Elliott said. “I enjoy creating connections and going above and beyond where I can. These students are the future of healthcare, and if I can assist them in their long journey, I get joy out of that.”
Together, these honorees exemplify Idaho WWAMI’s values of integrity, service, and dedication to community health. Their efforts may take place behind the scenes, but their impact is felt front and center, in the growth, success, and future of every medical student they support.