Montana WWAMI is proud to spotlight two exceptional clinical educators who have gone above and beyond in teaching, mentoring, and community leadership.
The 2025 WRITE (WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience) – Excellence in Teaching Awards honor preceptors whose dedication to medical student education and community engagement truly stands out. These awards are especially meaningful because the preceptors are nominated by WRITE students — future physicians who directly experience the clinicians’ impact in rural and underserved clinical settings. A selection committee then evaluates nominations using five rigorous criteria: commitment to student success, effective teaching strategies, positive community impact, excellence as a role model, and a dedication to continuous improvement.
This year’s Montana recipients are Montana WWAMI WRITE preceptors Dr. Megan Vigil and Dr. Kathleen Harder‑Brouwer. Both physicians exemplify the heart of Montana WWAMI’s mission: training the next generation of physicians through real‑world clinical guidance, compassionate care, and transformative mentorship.
Dr. Megan Vigil has earned praise from students for her hands‑on teaching style and deep commitment to helping learners grow in confidence and clinical skill. Her thoughtful approach blends evidence‑based medicine with a genuine investment in patients and trainees alike.
Dr. Kathleen Harder‑Brouwer continues a legacy of excellence in rural medical education. Known for her supportive mentorship and ability to model professionalism in every encounter, she brings real community health challenges into students’ learning experiences, preparing them to practice medicine and live it with empathy and resilience.
Both Dr. Vigil and Dr. Harder‑Brouwer embody what WRITE is all about: immersive, community‑connected clinical education that equips students for practice in Montana’s rural and underserved communities. Their contributions strengthen Montana’s health workforce and shape physicians who are ready to lead, innovate, and care with heart.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding educators for their commitment to excellence in teaching and their profound impact on the future of medicine!