WWAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION
The WWAMI School of Medical Education is a collaboration among six universities in five northwestern states — Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho — and the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine.
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers the Doctor of Medicine program and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical Studies. WWAMI enables Alaskan medical students to begin their medical education in-state, completing the first two years at UAA before participating in required clinical rotations throughout the five-state WWAMI region during their third and fourth years.
After their second year, students can complete their clinical training in Alaska or at regional sites. The WWAMI Medical Program focuses on preparing physicians for primary care practice and increasing the number of doctors in rural and underserved areas. The program emphasizes excellence in research and teaching, with faculty committed to medical education and community health.
WWAMI is a medical school program, not a premedical program. Enrolled students are dual-enrolled at UAA and UW, completing an 18-month foundational phase that includes integrated basic and clinical sciences, with early exposure to rural healthcare.
This certificate is designed to help students who already have a baccalaureate degree prepare themselves for medical school and complete their pre-requisite coursework.
With a focus on primary and rural health care, the Alaska WWAMI provides flexibility as you pursue your career goals with advanced patient care training, electives and other experiences that help you transition into residency training.
NEWS & Stories
A poster by Medical Laboratory Science program director Grace Leu-Burke and her team has been selected as a Blue Ribbon Finalist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2025 Annual Meeting. The poster, “Public health risk assessment from Cryptosporidium colonization in Alaskan urban wildlife,” explores the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, a microbial parasite that infects humans and animals and causes diarrhea.
Grace Leu Burke, associate professor and program director of the Medical Laboratory Science program, brings a deep passion for research, diagnostic testing, and student mentorship to the classroom and beyond.
The School of Allied Health celebrates its summer graduates with a memorable pinning ceremony on July 27, 2023, at the Edward & Cathryn Rasmuson Hall of the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Like other animals in the wild, the big animals that roam Alaska’s largest city are carrying bacteria that cannot be killed by commonly used medicines.
The Medical Laboratory Science program participates in the national 2022 ASCP Cell Bowl competition.
Student & Community opportunities
Della Keats is a four (4) week, residential program for high school students on the UAA Anchorage campus. This program is fully funded, including travel, food, and accommodations.
This free, annual WWAMI event offers a full day of speakers, workshops and information for anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine. High school students, undergraduates, college graduates, parents and school counselors are invited to attend.
The UW School of Medicine's Service Learning program provides students with opportunities to hone their skills while addressing the health needs of our underserved communities.
WWAMI offers numerous Pathways giving students the opportunity to pursue a particular interest and develop knowledge and skills specifically tailored to working with specific communities domestically and abroad.
Experience rural medicine with immersive programs such as AHEC, RUOP, WRITE, Della Keats, and many more!
Alaska Trust is a medical school program focused in rural underserved care, with the
hope that physician graduates will return to practice in the rural underserved communities
of Alaska.
Contact Us:
Phone: 907-786-4789
Fax: 907-786-4700
Email: uaa_wwami@alaska.edu
UAA Health Sciences Building
3795 Piper Street, Suite 301
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
Mailing Address:
3211 Providence Drive, HSB 301
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
