Read featured stories about UW School of Medicine students, staff and faculty from across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI).
Rooted in Bozeman, Driven to Care: Sofia Shomento Matches in OB-GYN
After years of dedication to reproductive healthcare, Montana WWAMI fourth-year student Sofia Shomento reached an exciting milestone, matching into OB-GYN at the University of Utah. From a young age, Sofia Shomento found herself drawn to reproductive healthcare—first through her work with Bridgercare in Bozeman, and later through her clinical experiences in medical school. During her […]
Montana Roots, Pediatric Dreams: Kaylee Stein Matches at University of Utah
From Montana to Utah, fourth-year Montana WWAMI student Kaylee Stein will soon head into pediatrics after matching at the University of Utah. Originally from Eureka, Kaylee was drawn to pediatrics because of its focus on prevention, healthy development, and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with children and their families. She values the chance to […]
New equestrian safety film focuses on how to respond in the minutes after an accident
When a horse rider falls, people nearby usually want to help right away. The problem is many aren’t sure what the right first move actually is. A new equestrian sports safety film that will release in June of 2026 from the UW Medicine Sports Institute is trying to change that by walking through what can […]
Coming Full Circle: Idaho WWAMI Alum Dr. John Hatzenbuehler Steps into Clinical Dean Role
Following the retirement of longtime Assistant Clinical Dean Dr. Frank Batcha, Idaho WWAMI is welcoming a familiar face into the role. John Hatzenbuehler, MD, an alumnus, educator, and rural physician, is now helping to shape the future of medical training across the state. A graduate of the Idaho WWAMI program (E2000), Dr. Hatzenbuehler brings more […]
From Soda Springs to Boise: Alexis Ericsson Matches into Family Medicine
For Idaho WWAMI fourth-year student Alexis Ericsson, Match Day brought both excitement and relief, marking the next step in a journey shaped by a passion for broad, relationship-centered care. Ericsson, who grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho, matched into family medicine at Full Circle Health in Boise, a program aligned with her goal of becoming […]
Driven to Serve: Kelton Kearsley Matches into Med-Peds at the University of Utah
Match Day is a defining milestone for Idaho WWAMI fourth-year students, marking the moment when years of training culminate in residency placements across the country. It’s a day filled with anticipation and celebration as students take the next step in their medical careers. For Victor, Idaho resident Kelton Kearsley, that sense of anticipation turned into […]
A Legacy of Mentorship and Community: Dr. Frank Batcha Retires from Idaho WWAMI
After nine years as Idaho WWAMI’s Assistant Clinical Dean, and decades of dedicated service to rural medicine and medical education, Dr. Frank Batcha is retiring this month. He leaves behind a legacy defined by mentorship, community connection, and a deep commitment to training the next generation of physicians. Reflecting on his time in the role, […]
A Career of Service and Teaching: Dr. Jean Snyder Named Alaska Family Physician of the Year
Dr. Jean Snyder’s career in family medicine has spanned decades, continents, and nearly every corner of patient care. Now, after years of serving communities across Alaska and beyond, she has been recognized as the Alaska Family Physician of the Year by the Alaska Academy of Family Physicians. The honor came as a surprise during a […]
A Life-Changing Match: Thomas Hanks Heads to Neurosurgery at the University of Washington
Match Day marked a pivotal milestone for Alaska WWAMI student Thomas Hanks, who learned he will train in neurosurgery at the University of Washington. Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Hanks moved to Anchorage just before starting high school, a transition that helped shape both his personal and professional path. Now, after years of study and […]
From Anchorage to Columbia: Alaina Prince Matches to OB-GYN and Looks Ahead with Excitement
Excitement and anticipation quickly turned into celebration on Match Day as Alaska WWAMI fourth-year student Alaina Prince learned where she will begin the next phase of her medical training. Surrounded by classmates and supporters, Prince discovered she matched into obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Missouri in Columbia. A lifelong Alaskan, Prince grew up […]