WWAMI Stories and Student Features

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 […]

For first-year Seattle medical student Nick Talley, the path to medicine began long before he ever opened a textbook. Talley spent 20 years on active duty in the US Army, serving as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant—better known as a Green Beret—from October 2002 to October 2022. Stationed with the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) […]

Middle of Nowhere Montana By: Courtney Hallock When I first found out  I’d be placed in Glasgow, MT  I can’t lie – my stomach dropped  I tried to maintain a positive outlook  “It’ll be fine”  “It’s just a short time”  In the middle of nowhere MT   Next was my “first summer experience”  I was […]

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 […]

“My family is from Naknek, a small fishing village in the Bristol Bay region,” shares Laura Aspelund, a second-year medical student with Alaska WWAMI. “My first clinical job was as a medical assistant at the Cama’i Community Health Clinic in Naknek, which directly shaped my path in medicine. The skills and relationships I developed there […]

Behind every successful Idaho WWAMI medical student is a team of dedicated administrative professionals ensuring clinical education runs smoothly. Each year, the Idaho WWAMI Administrative Impact Award honors those whose behind-the-scenes efforts make every medical student’s rotation and learning experience exceptional. This year’s recipients include: • Kaylie Elliott, Saint Alphonsus Health System • Amanda Junttila, […]

Military service has never been just a duty for Idaho WWAMI second-year medical student Alexander LeBlanc. It’s a calling that continues to shape who he is, and that calling is a family tradition. For LeBlanc, military medicine and medical education are two parts of the same mission: caring for others with skill, integrity, and heart. […]