Proactive Advising
Proactive Advising strengthens student support services by providing early and intentional advising to all WWAMI students. As part of Student Affairs, we monitor your progression throughout medical school and work with other UWSOM units to ensure you are well supported in your medical school journey. Through early outreach, we connect you with the appropriate resources to successfully progress through the medical curriculum.
The Holistic Advising Approach:
Using a relationship-centered model, Proactive Advising liaises with other units to provide individualized support available to all WWAMI students on topics related to their progression through medical school. This includes schedule planning, concurrent degrees, leaves of absence, clinical expansions, academic performance, Step exams and independent study.
Proactive Advising can connect you with various units in UWSOM to support your journey through medical school.
You may want to meet to discuss or seek further support in the following areas:
- Academic performance
- Schedule planning
- Leave of Absence and Clinical Expansions
- Concurrent Degrees
Get to Know Proactive Advisor Kelly Rush, M.S.Ed. (she/her)
Advisor for Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, and Seattle (Cedar River and North Cascades)
I grew up in Oregon, primarily Eugene, but have lived and traveled all over. I visited Austria and Munich during the holiday season, however, Italy is hands down my most favorite travel experience – I’m convinced one day I’ll retire there to a cafe in Rome. I’m a huge sports fan and am ride or die for the Seahawks and the Blazers. I get way too serious about fantasy football but I’ve won a couple times so I’ve tasted victory and seek it again! I have a cat, Lily, although I grew up with dogs my whole life. Moving to Seattle was quite an adventure and I truly enjoy the city.
I’ve spent the last 10+ years in education including roles as a high school principal, teacher, academic advisor, and assistant director of advising. I’m a first-generation college student, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in History from Western Oregon University and my Master’s Degree in Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership from the University of Oregon. I’ve been passionate about education for as long as I can remember and feel so lucky to get to work in a position that helps students navigate the complex world of higher education.
Fun Facts about Kelly!
- Favorite Book: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- Favorite Movie: Saving Private Ryan
- Favorite Series: Band of Brothers, The Office, Parks and Recreation
- Favorite Food: Popcorn
- Favorite Color: Yellow (although really it’s gold)
- Cats or dogs?: Both! Currently a cat owner but grew up with dogs.
Get to Know Proactive Advisor Jami Grosser, M.Ed.(she/her)
Advisor for Montana, Spokane, and Seattle (Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains)
To meet with Jami: Email somproadv@uw.edu
Jami has supported college students for more than 25 years across seven campuses in a range of institutional settings. Most recently, she led the Advising Center at Penn State Brandywine, and prior to that spent 20 years working across University of California and California State University campuses. Her professional background includes LGBTQ+ and Cultural Centers, Student Life, Admissions, Orientation, Residential Life, and Academic Advising, informing a holistic, student-centered approach to advising and support.
Jami holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Science (Pre-Optometry) with a minor in Women’s Studies from Kansas State University, and a master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Arizona State University.
Jami is passionate about inclusively supporting students and all their identities as they navigate the demands of medical education. Her advising approach is both empathic and strategic—creating space for students to feel heard and validated while helping them clarify goals, navigate institutional complexity, and identify realistic pathways toward success in medical training.
Outside of her professional work, Jami enjoys time at the beach with her wife and twins, along with a good space movie and iced green tea.