Born in Boise and raised in Kuna, Idaho, Kenya Morales grew up as the daughter of immigrant parents from Guanajuato, Mexico. From a young age, she often served as an interpreter during her parents’ medical appointments, giving her an early view into the challenges many families face when navigating the U.S. healthcare system. “Through my […]
The Idaho WWAMI program recently welcomed its newest cohort of Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) scholars during a special luncheon held on the first day of orientation, marking the beginning of their medical education journey. The TRUST program prepares future physicians to serve rural and underserved communities by fostering meaningful, long-term connections throughout medical school. […]
Across the entire country, there are fewer than 8,000 geriatricians caring for more than 58 million Americans over the age of 65. By 2030, that demand is expected to be more than double. In Idaho, where the physician shortage is already the worst in the nation, that gap is even more acute. “We simply do […]
For years, a complex neurological diagnosis in North Idaho often came with an unwelcome prescription: a long drive. Patients seeking specialized care for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions frequently had to travel hours away often across state lines to find it. Dr. Cliff Hampton has spent the last 11 years working to change […]
Dr. Megan Kasper is described as one of the most impactful Idaho physicians WWAMI students have worked with during medical school. WWAMI student Riley Lehmann praised her commitment to teaching, patient care and creating meaningful learning experiences. That impact earned Dr. Kasper, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Grace Women’s Health and St. Luke’s Health System, an Idaho […]
Third-year WWAMI student Abhinav Janappareddi described Dr. Tyler Birch as “one of the best physicians I have worked with so far,” praising his ability to teach, motivate and challenge learners during an outpatient internal medicine rotation. His impact on medical students earned Dr. Birch, an internal medicine physician at St. Luke’s Clinic in Meridian, an […]
The impact of a great teacher can last a lifetime. Through his mentorship, encouragement and commitment to medical education, Dr. Justin Woodlief has helped Idaho WWAMI students build the skills and confidence needed to grow into future physicians, earning him an Idaho WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Award. Through his teaching and patient-centered care, Dr. Woodlief […]
Forty Idaho WWAMI students celebrated the culmination of their medical school journey during the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Physician’s Oath and Hooding Ceremony on May 22nd in Seattle. The Class of 2026 included five Targeted Rural and Underserved Track (TRUST) scholars, reflecting Idaho WWAMI’s commitment to preparing physicians to serve rural and underserved […]
For Dr. Kanan Silvas, medicine has always been about community. An Idaho WWAMI alumnus (E11) who grew up in North Idaho, Silvas is now an emergency medicine physician and internal hospitalist at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene where he helps expand clinical training opportunities for students rotating through the emergency department. He also serves as […]
For decades, Idaho WWAMI Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Mary Barinaga has helped shape the educational experience of Idaho WWAMI medical students. Now, her contributions are being honored with the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Family Medicine Outstanding Clerkship Award for 2024–2025. Dr. Barinaga has played a central role in Idaho WWAMI for years, helping […]
