Long before he ever set foot in Alaska, Dr. Kosta Turchaninov was captivated by stories of the North. As a child, he devoured the adventure novels of Jack London, a fascination that quietly planted the seed for a future in the far north. Dr. Turchaninov began his medical journey in Kazan, Russia, where he completed […]
Against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks in Girdwood, Alaska WWAMI faculty gathered with a shared purpose: strengthening how they teach, assess, and mentor the next generation of physicians. The Alaska WWAMI Educator Development Conference (February 6, 2026) focused on practical strategies educators can apply immediately in clinical settings, with sessions on writing effective letters […]
At the Alaska WWAMI site in Anchorage, a student-led initiative is bringing the power of music into clinical spaces. Music in Medicine, a service-learning group founded by second-year medical students Will Simard and Alyssa Mandich and now co-led with first-year student Yi Chan, aims to create moments of comfort and connection for patients, families and […]
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 […]
During the poster session (on November 10, 2025), the Alaska WWAMI community paused to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Jan Eugene Whitefield, who passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 80 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. Known as “Bud” to his family and friends and “Dr. Whitefield” to generations […]
After celebrating the remarkable work showcased at this year’s poster presentation (Nov. 10, 2025), the Alaska WWAMI E24 class recognized someone whose guidance helped make those accomplishments possible. Dr. Elizabeth Ferucci, Affiliate Professor in the Division of Rheumatology and physician with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, was presented with the Outstanding Research Mentor Award. […]
Alaska WWAMI faculty members who have made an extraordinary impact on medical education were also honored during the poster presentation in Anchorage on November 10, 2025. Teaching awards across both the Foundations and Clinical Phases recognized instructors whose dedication, expertise, and mentorship elevate the student experience. Foundations Phase Teaching Awards Dr. Anne Musser, DO — […]
Alaska WWAMI second-year medical students impressed faculty, peers, and community members earlier this month (November 10, 2025) as they shared their research at the annual (Triple I) poster presentation in Anchorage. Twenty-six students showcased work that blends classroom science with real-world medical practice, demonstrating how hands-on inquiry strengthens clinical reasoning, sparks creativity, and builds confidence […]
This November, Alaska WWAMI is honoring our veterans and the incredible commitment they make to our nation. Among them is Caleb Wagle, a second-year Alaska WWAMI medical student and a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, whose journey blends military service with a dedication to compassionate patient care. Wagle was commissioned in February […]
