The WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience (WRITE) Program is a clinical medical education program developed by the University of Washington School of Medicine as means to help meet the need for rural primary care physicians in the WWAMI region. The success of this unique program is due to the integration of community involvement, continuity of experience and a proven curriculum.

The WRITE Program is designed to give selected third-year medical students an appropriate mix of ambulatory and hospital experience during a 20-week clinical education experience at a rural primary care teaching site. Throughout the program, the WRITE student has the opportunity to develop a practice style while learning how to treat a broad range of medical, surgical and psychological problems. Learning experiences emphasize the rural physician’s responsibilities and roles of diagnosing, treating and managing the majority of health problems on a longitudinal, continuing basis, while calling upon all the health care resources available in the community. The intent of the experience is to allow students interested in primary care to:

• become intimately familiar with the day-to-day workings of a rural community practice,
• to become a member of a rural practice team,
• to develop a continuity experience with a patient panel,
• to become socially integrated into a rural community,
• to meet educational milestones in a unique teaching environment,
• to instill confidence & professionalism,
• to develop the ability to become independent learners and problem solvers.

The WRITE Program serves to benefit the rural medical community in a variety of ways:

• Physicians who participate in the program may apply for and receive a University of Washington School of Medicine faculty appointment.
• WRITE is an opportunity to showcase the community, thereby leading to greater physician recruitment.
• The medical community’s relationship with the University Of Washington School of Medicine promotes greater mutual understanding of each other’s respective roles.
• Faculty from the University Of Washington School Of Medicine travel to rural sites to offer consultation and give medical education presentations.
• The Dean’s Office, University of Washington School of Medicine and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation support community-based rural medical education by providing funding to the WRITE Sites to cover infrastructure expenses of the practice and travel for specific faculty development opportunities.

Alaska WRITE Program

Juneau - Located in Southeast Alaska and only accessible via air or water transport, our capital is host to an excellent group of physicians. Our newest clinical site is at the Valley Medical Center, with their six family medicine physicians. Because of the lack of specialists in Juneau, this group has a more extensive clinical practice than is seen in the typical family medicine clinic. Site Coordinator: Dr. Bob Urata.

Palmer/Wasilla - This site features a very busy practice that also addresses larger community health issues. In addition, the practice offers experiences in complementary medicine. Site Coordinator: Dr. Barb Doty.