Read featured stories about UW School of Medicine students, staff and faculty from across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI).
Montana WWAMI Match Day: Maddy Reichelt Finds Her Path in Psychiatry
After years of dedication to patient care and medical education, Montana WWAMI fourth-year student Maddy Reichelt matched into psychiatry at Johns Hopkins. Originally from Big Sandy, Montana, Maddy was drawn to psychiatry for the very things that make it unique within medicine — time, connection, and story. “Psychiatry is everything I love about medicine and […]
Match Day Spotlight: Brayden Crowley Head to Carolinas for Emergency Medicine
After years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to serving others, Montana WWAMI fourth-year student Brayden Crowley matched into Emergency Medicine at Carolinas Medical Center. Originally from Roundup, Montana, Brayden found his path to emergency medicine early — working as an ER tech in his hometown’s critical access hospital. Even as he kept an […]
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 […]