Idaho WWAMI

Introduction

Idaho​ WWAMI provides medical education and training to students, residents, and practicing physicians throughout the vast state of Idaho. Idaho​ WWAMI students complete the basic science and initial clinical training requirements of their Foundations Phase medical training at the University of​ Idaho’s Moscow campus. WWAMI, the University of Washington’s regional medical school  allows entering​ medical students to train in their home state, increasing their familiarity with the healthcare needs of their region and state, and increasing the likelihood that students will select further training or practice opportunities in Idaho once their training is complete.

WWAMI students have the opportunity to return and complete the clinical training requirements of their Patient Care and Explore and Focus Phases medical training (third and fourth years) in Idaho or in any of the WWAMI states (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho). These clinical rotations are coordinated through the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Idaho WWAMI Office for Clinical Medical Education in Boise. Following receipt of their M.D. degree, University of Washington School of Medicine graduates have an opportunity to apply to the five​ primary care residencies in Idaho if interested. In addition to these formal training programs, Idaho physicians have opportunities to informally continue their medical education by taking part in seminars, programs, consultations, or academic affiliations with the UW School of Medicine through Idaho WWAMI.

WWAMI Medical Education is dedicated to helping prepare physicians for primary care practice, regardless of eventual sub-specialty selection, and to increasing the number of physicians who choose to practice in rural or underserved areas. There is also a strong commitment to the partnership between excellence in research and teaching in medical education. Cutting-edge research prepares the next generation of doctors to be well informed and at the forefront of clinical medical practice. The WWAMI faculty at the University of Idaho and the clinical faculty for clerkships throughout the state of Idaho, including our rural training communities, are committed to being both dynamic teachers and informed biomedical scholars.

Clerkship Opportunities

TRUST (Targeted Rural Underserved Track)​

TRUST provides WWAMI students a continuous connection with underserved communities, medical education, and health professionals in Idaho. After a targeted TRUST admissions process, TRUST scholars are linked to small city, underserved or rural communities in Idaho (TRUST/WRITE sites) for a series of educational experiences throughout all four years of medical school. Linkage with existing UW programs such as the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP) and the Underserved Pathway (UP), in addition to unique curricular elements, allow TRUST scholars to immerse themselves in the care of the underserved. The eventual goal is to create a physician workforce specifically trained for the underserved areas of the WWAMI region. Idaho TRUST Scholars will have multiple opportunities to experience first-hand the joys and satisfaction of practicing medicine in a rural or urban underserved community. To learn more please visit the UW’s TRUST program.

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WRITE (WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience)​

The WRITE Program is a clinical medical education program developed by the University of Washington School of Medicine as a means to help meet the need for rural primary care physicians in the WWAMI region. The success of this unique program is due to the integration of community involvement, continuity of experience and a proven curriculum. The Idaho WRITE sites are located in the communities of Hailey, Jerome, McCall, Moscow, Nampa, Orofino, and Sandpoint.

A detailed description of this program can be found on the WRITE website.

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Reports and Resources

Idaho WWAMI Medical Education offers the following information:

• Idaho WWAMI Fact Sheet (coming soon)
• WWAMI Idaho Foundations Website

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​Contact Information​

WWAMI Medical Education – Idaho Clinical Office
c/o University of Idaho – Water Center
322 E. Front Street, Suite 462
Boise, ID 83702

WWAMI Medical Education – Idaho Foundations Office