During the poster session (on November 10, 2025), the Alaska WWAMI community paused to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Jan Eugene Whitefield, who passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 80 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Known as “Bud” to his family and friends and “Dr. Whitefield” to generations of students and colleagues, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service, teaching, and advocacy in Alaska.
Born in rural Rochester, Pennsylvania, Dr. Whitefield often reflected on childhood memories of gardening, card games, and singing in the church choir. His rich baritone voice carried him across Europe with his high school choir, a hint of the discipline, curiosity, and passion that would define his life’s work.
Before medicine, Dr. Whitefield pursued physics and electrical engineering at Penn State and served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, completing his doctorate while working in a weapons laboratory. His path shifted when he felt called to medicine, earning his MD at the University of New Mexico and training first in family medicine before completing an OB/GYN residency, where he earned a “Superior Teaching Award” each year.
At age 40, he moved to Anchorage to help launch Alaska’s first women’s clinic. He joined Anchorage Women’s Clinic in 1985, remaining there until his retirement in 2019. From the moment he arrived in Alaska, Dr. Whitefield was deeply embedded in medical education. He served as UW faculty for his entire career, led the Anchorage OB/GYN clerkship, helped establish the Alaska Family Medicine Residency, and earned multiple state and regional teaching awards, including the WWAMI Distinguished Teacher Award in 2014.
A steadfast advocate for women’s reproductive rights, Dr. Whitefield ensured access to abortion services through clinical care, and physician training. He partnered with Planned Parenthood to challenge restrictive laws and received both the Women’s Health & Wellness Choice Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Women’s Health, recognizing his statewide impact.
Colleagues remember him as a gifted teacher and tireless mentor.
“He has had a hand in the education of generations of doctors in Alaska,” Dr. Amanda Beery shared.
Former Alaska Family Medicine Residency Director and CEO of Providence Alaska, Dr. Harold Johnston noted, “He always fostered collaboration between learners and created an atmosphere of academic excellence, camaraderie, and compassion.”
Dr. Whitefield’s contributions shaped Alaska’s medical community for four decades, and his influence will be felt for years to come.