Washington
Heart Institute Scholars Program Expands in Spokane
Students observe Dr. Matousek performing lung surgery on the DaVinci robot
A new partnership between the UW School of Medicine, Gonzaga University School of Health Sciences, and Providence Heart Institute is providing Spokane-based students with hands-on research and clinical learning opportunities through the Heart Institute Scholars Program.
Now in its second year, the two-year program has expanded from seven to 15 scholars, including 11 UWSOM medical students and two Gonzaga undergraduates. Participants work alongside Providence physicians on cardiothoracic research projects while gaining clinical exposure through shadowing experiences.
The program is supported by Sarah Matousek, a joint UW-Gonzaga faculty member and research advisor, who helps guide students through research and mentorship opportunities.
Wyoming
Dr. Rob Monger Awarded Mastership by the ACP and Named UWSOM Outstanding Underserved Pathway Mentor
Wyoming WWAMI Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Rob Monger was recently awarded both Mastership (MACP) by the American College of Physicians and UWSOM Outstanding Underserved Pathway Mentor of 2026!
Dr. Rob Monger was awarded Mastership (MACP) by the American College of Physicians at a Convocation ceremony held during the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting in San Francisco last week. Mastership is a prestigious honor that signifies “Mastery” and recognizes lifetime achievement in internal medicine, reflecting a physician’s integrity, impact in clinical practice, and leadership within the profession.
MACP is a highly selective distinction, awarded to fewer than 1% of internal medicine physicians. Candidates cannot self-nominate; selection requires a formal nomination and three supporting letters detailing the nominee’s career-long contributions and influence in the field.
WRITE Preceptor Awards
Left to right: Dr. Mattson Mathey and Dr. Clint McMahill
Congratulations to Wyoming’s WRITE preceptor award winners Dr. Mattson Mathey, practicing in Thermopolis, WY and Dr. Clint McMahill, practicing in Fremont County, WY.
Dr. Mathey and Dr. McMahill’s student nominations commented on their valuable feedback and teaching during the rotation, patience when interacting with patients and example they set for future physicians.
We are grateful for all our preceptors do for our students!
Alaska
Discussing the Art and Science of Arctic Medicine
Left to right: Dr. Barb Doty, Dr. David Compton, and an aerial view of Western Alaska
What does it take to practice medicine in communities where severe weather, vast distances, and limited resources shape patient care? Those questions were explored during a recent CLIME Conversation Café and CLIMEcast Live session led by Alaska WWAMI Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Barb Doty, featuring Bethel OB-GYN Dr. David Compton.
Drawing on 16 years of experience in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Dr. Compton shared stories illustrating the unique challenges of rural Alaska practice, from weather-related transportation barriers to high-stakes emergencies. The discussion highlighted the importance of cultural humility, adaptability, and experiential learning in preparing physicians for Arctic medicine.
Dr. Doty emphasized Alaska WWAMI’s commitment to providing students with early exposure to rural and remote practice settings, helping prepare the next generation of physicians to serve communities across Alaska.
Montana
Celebrating Teaching Excellence in Montana
Left to right: Tim Strizich and Stacy Kingsland
Stacy Kingsland, MD Internist in Great Falls (MT WWAMI alum) received a Richard M. Tucker WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. UW Medical students nominate educators from the WWAMI region, and the selection committee then selects honorees who have demonstrated true enthusiasm and outstanding dedication in providing teaching and mentoring to our students.
We would also like to congratulate Tom Strizich, one of the recipients of the annual Pediatric Clerkship Faculty Teaching Award for the 2025-2026 Academic year. This award is student nominated and given to faculty providing a substantial contribution to medical education within the Pediatric Clerkship at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Montana WWAMI Foundations Updates
Montana WWAMI recently recognized the outstanding service of Drs. Pam Hiebert, Meghan Johnston, and Colette Kirchhoff, whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to medical education have helped shape the program and support generations of students and faculty.
Looking ahead to the 2026–27 academic year, Montana WWAMI has announced several new clinical teaching team appointments effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Brenna Polsinelli (E-19) will serve as Primary Care Practicum (PCP) Director. Completing her family medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver, Dr. Polsinelli will join Bozeman Health this summer and brings a strong commitment to medical education and underserved communities.
Drs. Shalina Lingley (E-2010) and Katherine Runkel will join the program as College Mentors. Dr. Lingley currently serves as internal medicine clerkship coordinator and geriatric clinic lead, while Dr. Runkel joins Bozeman Health after serving on the faculty at the University of Colorado Division of Geriatrics Medicine.
In addition, Dr. Anne Thomas has been appointed Foundations of Clinical Medicine (FCM) Lead. A Montana WWAMI College Mentor since 2016, Dr. Thomas has demonstrated exceptional dedication to student learning, advising, and professional development.
Idaho
Idaho WWAMI Student Presents at National Sports Medicine Conference
Rachael Driskell, an E24 Idaho WWAMI medical student, presented at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Salt Lake City. Her research highlights the associations between gait characteristics and hip bone mineral density (BMD) asymmetry in postmenopausal women, work that came out of the laboratory of Nick Martonick, PhD, Idaho WWAMI faculty in the School of Health and Medical Professions (SHAMP).
The study examined whether habitual gait patterns are associated with bilateral differences in hip BMD, a relevant question given that 17% of patients diagnosed with osteoporosis have a sufficient bilateral difference in BMD such that one hip meets the diagnostic criteria while the other does not.
The research found that postmenopausal women who walked faster and took longer steps had more symmetric hip BMD, while slower walkers tended to show greater asymmetry, suggesting that gait-targeted interventions aimed at improving walking efficiency and symmetry may warrant further investigation for their potential benefits to bone health.