Medical school demands focus, resilience, and long hours. For Lars and Chelsey Ponsness, it also means navigating that challenge together within Montana WWAMI. Their relationship has grown alongside their training, shaped as much by shared study sessions and clinical rotations as by the intentional time they protect outside of medicine. After long days in clinic, […]
For first-year Montana WWAMI students Joe Wadhams and Tatjana Groenewald, leading the Neighborhood Health Initiative (NHI) medical clinics at the Bozeman Homeward Point Shelter is more than a leadership role. It is a meaningful way to care for neighbors experiencing homelessness while growing into the physicians they hope to become. The Montana WWAMI Neighborhood Health […]
Every year, the National Rural Health Policy Institute hosts physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students, hospital administrators and rural health policy experts to gather at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. to explore and contribute to the key policy issues affecting rural health in the nation. This year, Montana WWAMI Assistant Clinical Dean/Physician Educator Dr. Jay […]
For fourth-year Montana WWAMI student Benjamin Nalls, Military Match Day marks more than the next step in training. It’s a continuation of a lifelong commitment to service. Nalls matched into general surgery at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, through the military match. Before medical school, Nalls served as a Marine, an experience that […]
Montana WWAMI is proud to spotlight two exceptional clinical educators who have gone above and beyond in teaching, mentoring, and community leadership. The 2025 WRITE (WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience) – Excellence in Teaching Awards honor preceptors whose dedication to medical student education and community engagement truly stands out. These awards are especially meaningful […]
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Carey Downey, a family physician in Butte, Montana has been selected for the 2025 Department of Family Medicine Clinical Excellence Award by the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM). This prestigious honor recognizes extraordinary contributions to patient care, community health, and collaborative clinical practice. It’s one […]
Montana WWAMI‘s second-year medical students reached an important milestone this month as they gathered at the Gallatin Labor Temple in Bozeman for the E-24 (Entering class of 2024) Foundations Celebration. The beach theme of the festive occasion was called:🌴🤿Tropical Cruise – A last Hoorah Before Dedicated!🌺🏖️. Held on December 12, 2025, the event signaled […]
Second-year Montana WWAMI students Mackenzie Bernhardt and Tim Sonnenberg are leading an effort that blends clinical learning with community impact. As co-leads of the Neighborhood Health Initiative (NHI), they oversee twice-monthly foot care clinics in partnership with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)’s Homeward Point shelter in Bozeman, bringing essential health services directly to members […]
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Montana WWAMI is honored to feature first-year medical student Brianna Merchant Bull Shows from the the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. Her path to medicine is deeply rooted in identity, family, and community. Growing up in Pryor, Montana, Brianna saw firsthand the challenges her community faces in accessing healthcare—and the […]
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 […]
