Faculty from across Montana gathered in Bozeman earlier this month for a dynamic Montana WWAMI Faculty Retreat, an energizing day focused on strengthening curriculum, enhancing student support, and expanding rural-training partnerships.
The retreat opened with an insightful presentation from Dr. Laura Goodell, Stern Regional Faculty Educator, who walked attendees through the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) Curriculum Report Card. She presented a clear look at regional metrics and how Montana aligns with them.
UWSOM Academic Services Director Sarah Wood followed Goodell’s presentation with a focused discussion on Student Affairs, unpacking the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), clerkship comments, and current practices in student accommodations. She highlighted the growing need for clarity and consistency in supporting learners.
UWSOM Assistant Dean of Rural Programs Dr. John McCarthy then updated attendees on the TRUST (Targeted Rural Underserved Track) 2.0 initiative. He reaffirmed Montana WWAMI’s commitment to the rural physician pipeline.
The retreat also spotlighted the Foundations phase. Assistant Foundations Dean and Director of Montana WWAMI Dr. Brant Schumaker reviewed the Foundations Blocks. He also the examined the expanding role of learning specialists. Montana WWAMI Foundations faculty and mentor Dr. Zachary Meyers led an engaging cross-site discussion on the Foundations of Clinical Medicine.
Several themes stood out:
- Aligning with UWSOM metrics while retaining flexibility for Montana’s rural context.
- Strengthening the student-support ecosystem, from MSPE transparency to early identification of learners needing additional guidance.
- Recognizing the Foundations phase as a pivotal transition, with learning specialists playing an increasingly strategic role.
- Leveraging cross-site collaboration as a core benefit of the retreat.
The day closed with faculty reaffirming a shared commitment to continuous curriculum improvement, strong feedback loops, and thoughtful adaptation of best practices, positioning Montana WWAMI to continue delivering high-quality, context-responsive medical education statewide.
The next faculty development conference will be April 10-12, 2026 at the Fairmont Hot Springs Montana Resort.
Part of Montana WWAMI’s ongoing commitment to quality undergraduate medical education is to make sure that teaching faculty members have access to robust faculty development. Montana WWAMI offers two in-person, in-state “All-Faculty Retreats” as well as more tailored sessions at Track locations in Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula.
