Ian Qureshi, DO; Jessica Sallstrom, DO, and John Hatzenbuehler, MD
Three Idaho physicians have earned Idaho WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Awards after being nominated by the people who have experienced their impact firsthand: WWAMI students.
The annual awards recognize physician preceptors who go above and beyond to educate and mentor medical students during their clinical training across Idaho. This year’s recipients, Ian Qureshi, DO, of Nampa; Jessica Sallstrom, DO, of Boise; and John Hatzenbuehler, MD, of Hailey, were recognized for creating supportive learning environments, investing in students’ professional growth, and modeling compassionate, patient-centered care.
For Dr. Ian Qureshi, a hematologist and oncologist at Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute in Nampa, exceptional teaching begins with making both patients and students feel valued. Student Brooke Lorenz said Qureshi created a welcoming and supportive environment from day one and made her feel like an active member of the care team.
She was also inspired by the relationships he built with patients navigating cancer.
“He built meaningful relationships that fostered trust and comfort, allowing patients to feel truly known, supported, and cared for,” Lorenz wrote.
Lorenz said Qureshi was especially skilled at breaking down complex hematology and oncology topics into understandable concepts while challenging her to think critically and continue building her medical knowledge.
“Watching him balance expertise with empathy was invaluable as I continue developing into a future physician,” she wrote.
At Terry Reilly Health Services in Boise, Dr. Jessica Sallstrom was praised by student Tyler Jensen for making students feel like active members of the patient care team. Jensen said she took time each day to answer questions and provide dedicated teaching while also offering guidance about career choices, specialty selection and preparing for residency.
“Dr. Sallstrom was an incredible preceptor,” Jensen wrote. “I felt like I was able to be part of the patients’ care and learned so much from her.”
A family medicine physician and Associate Medical Director, Sallstrom provides comprehensive, whole-person care in a community health setting. Jensen said seeing the impact she has on patients from lower-income communities was especially inspiring.
In Hailey, Dr. John Hatzenbuehler created an environment where student Patrick Mark felt comfortable taking on increasing responsibility while building confidence and learning from mistakes. Mark said the family and sports medicine physician provided valuable hands-on opportunities, including performing injections and other procedures, while offering steady guidance and support.
“Dr. Hatzenbuehler’s mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my development as a future physician,” Mark wrote.
He was also struck by the relationships Hatzenbuehler built throughout the Wood River Valley. “His patients clearly trust and enjoy him, and there is a genuine sense of connection in the clinic,” he added.
Although their clinical settings and specialties differ, the three award recipients share a commitment to helping students grow into capable, compassionate physicians. Through hands-on teaching, thoughtful mentorship, and the example they set with their patients and communities, Qureshi, Sallstrom, and Hatzenbuehler are helping shape the next generation of physicians in Idaho and beyond.