Read featured stories about UW School of Medicine students, staff and faculty from across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI).
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 […]
From Wasilla to Colorado: Ben Henderson’s Match Day Moment and the Calling That Led Him There
The room was filled with anticipation as fourth-year Alaska WWAMI student Ben Henderson stood ready to open the envelope that would reveal the next chapter of his medical training. In a moment that marked years of dedication and growth, everything suddenly came into focus. “When I opened my envelope, I felt a wave of relief […]
Idaho WWAMI Surgeon Dr. Sheev Dattani Explains the Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening
Each March, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that early detection saves lives. While screening and prevention efforts have made real progress, new trends are reshaping who is most affected by colorectal cancer—and why staying up to date on screening has never been more important. According to Dr. Sheev Dattani, a board-certified minimally […]
From Idaho WWAMI to Rural Family Medicine: Dr. Taylor Simmons’ Journey
For Idaho WWAMI alumna Taylor Simmons, MD, training close to home helped launch a career dedicated to rural family medicine and serving Idaho communities. From the beginning, she knew Idaho WWAMI was where she hoped to train. “I remember feeling incredibly excited and hopeful interviewing, as Idaho WWAMI was by far my first choice […]
Idaho WWAMI Celebrates 54 Impactful Years on WWAMI Day at the Capitol
Governor Brad Little proclaimed Feb. 17th as WWAMI Day in Idaho, recognizing the program’s longstanding role in strengthening healthcare across the state. The designation set the stage for a day of celebration at the Idaho State Capitol, where students, physicians and supporters highlighted Idaho WWAMI’s impact on communities across the Gem State. The observance also […]