Twenty-eight Alaska WWAMI second-year students crossed an important threshold earlier this month during the Clinical Transition Ceremony in Anchorage. The momentous event launched the pivotal shift from foundational coursework (the first 18 months of medical school) to real-world patient care for the students.
The ceremony, held at at the University of Alaska Anchorage Fine Arts Building, highlighted faculty reflections, the recitation of the class oath, and the presentation of student awards, recognizing both academic excellence and the values that shape compassionate, community-centered medicine.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
- Director’s Award: Reed Thomas and William Simard
- Xavier Engle Spirit Award: Kyle Stone
- Arthur Schaible Award: Rhianna Merriman
- Jon B. Syren Award: Abigail Crawford
- Sharon Tobias Award: Heather Pollard
The ceremony marks the launch of the clinical phase for the second-year Alaska WWAMI students, guided by a shared commitment to service, integrity, and lifelong learning as they move into patient care across the WWAMI region.
For more photos, check out our Alaska WWAMI page.