Following the retirement of longtime Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Frank Batcha, Idaho WWAMI is welcoming a familiar face into the role. John Hatzenbuehler, MD, an alumnus, educator, and rural physician, is now helping to shape the future of medical training across the state.
A graduate of the Idaho WWAMI program (E2000), Dr. Hatzenbuehler brings more than two decades of experience in both patient care and medical education. He has spent over 20 years teaching and mentoring students, including his work in Hailey as faculty for the TRUST and WRITE programs, where he has supported learners in longitudinal rural training.
In addition to his work in medical education, Dr. Hatzenbuehler maintains an active clinical practice. He cares for patients through St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center and Sun Valley Sports Medicine, and has worked with elite athletes, including the USA Women’s National Hockey Team. He has also contributed nationally through leadership roles with the American College of Sports Medicine. That breadth of experience continues to influence his work in his new role.
“As a former WWAMI student from Pocatello, I am honored and excited to step into the role as Idaho WWAMI Clinical Assistant Dean,” he said. “I have huge shoes to fill with the retirement of Dr. Frank Batcha.”
Dr. Hatzenbuehler credits Dr. Batcha’s mentorship as instrumental in his own journey.
“I have worked as his colleague for the last 9 years in Hailey, Idaho, and I believe that his mentorship has been an invaluable and enriching experience. I can only hope to bring a fraction of Dr. Batcha’s dedication, kindness, and rigor.”
Teaching remains central to his work.
“Teaching students in my practice has not only sharpened my medical knowledge, it has also strengthened my patient care and inspired my passion for developing Idaho’s future physicians.”
In his new role, Dr. Hatzenbuehler helps oversee clinical education across Idaho and is focused on expanding training opportunities, particularly in rural communities. Strengthening pathways in eastern Idaho is among his top priorities.
“Training physicians to provide high quality care in rural Idaho is a complex endeavor, and as a rural physician from Idaho, I hope I am uniquely qualified to meaningfully contribute to finding sustainable solutions,” he said.
He also sees Idaho WWAMI as a critical partner in addressing the state’s physician shortage.
“I can think of no better program in the country to help mitigate the physician shortage in Idaho than partnering with the University of Washington School of Medicine in the Idaho WWAMI program.”
Outside of work, Dr. Hatzenbuehler enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with his wife and dogs, reading, playing golf, and cooking. He also values time with his family, including visiting his daughter in New York City.
With deep roots in Idaho and a passion for teaching, Dr. Hatzenbuehler is helping carry forward the Idaho WWAMI mission while investing in the next generation of physicians.