For Idaho WWAMI student Hope McWilliams, her RUOP rotation in Smelterville was more than an introduction to rural medicine—it was a chance to return to the Northern Idaho community she calls home.
Hope spent four weeks at SMC Family Medicine from July 13 to Aug. 7, 2026 under the mentorship of preceptor Jessica Harnisch-Boyd, DO, through the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP). The elective community medicine experience places rising second-year medical students in rural and underserved communities across the WWAMI region.
Hope grew up in Coeur d’Alene, and North Idaho remains close to her heart. “North Idaho is my home, and I am excited to spend more time working with patients that share this,” she said.
Before medical school, Hope worked at Montana State University as an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault and interpersonal violence. Her experience assisting with SAFE exams sparked her interest in clinical care and showed her the important role health care can play in helping survivors navigate difficult circumstances. Today, she is particularly passionate about reproductive health and OB care.
Outside of medicine, Hope enjoys exploring the outdoors—whether she’s hiking a trail or taking a dip in a swimming hole. She also makes time for a good romance novel and, of course, reality TV.