Read feature stories about students, staff and faculty from across the WWAMI region.
Ten Alaska WWAMI students took the national stage Jan. 15–17, 2026 at the Western Medical Research Conference (WMRC) in Carmel, California, sharing their research with peers and faculty from across the Western United States. WMRC is an annual conference that brings together medical students, residents, and faculty to present scholarly work, exchange ideas, and build […]
From the operating room in Alaska’s Mat-Su Valley to the clinical training of medical students across the state, Iuliana Bobanga, MD, is helping guide the next generation of surgeons. A general and endocrine surgeon with Mat-Su Surgical Associates, Dr. Bobanga also serves as the Clerkship Director for the University of Washington School of Medicine’s […]
(*Draft – Pending Review*) Earlier this month, Alaska WWAMI first-year students stepped outside the classroom and into the Blood Bank of Alaska for a behind-the-scenes look at how transfusion medicine supports patients across the Last Frontier. Led by Dr. Megan Ritter, Chief Medical Director of the Blood Bank of Alaska, the tour brought course concepts […]
From rural clinics to cutting-edge clinical science, Idaho WWAMI medical students took center stage in November, showcasing research that’s shaping the future of patient care across the Northwest. The second-year Idaho WWAMI students gathered for the Research Symposium to present a wide range of projects reflecting both scientific rigor and a deep commitment to improving […]
Second-year Idaho WWAMI students reached a major milestone last month as they completed 18 months of foundational coursework and transitioned into the clinical phase of medical school. After passing a comprehensive final exam, they began hands-on patient care, putting their knowledge into practice in clinics and communities across the region. For many students, the shift […]
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 […]
When Alaska’s physician community honors one of its own, it is for impact that reaches far beyond a single patient. That distinction belongs to Dr. Benjamin Westley, who has been named a 2025 Golden Stethoscope Award recipient by the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association (AHHA). The award recognizes his leadership, innovation, and sustained commitment to […]
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 […]
