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
Tara Schmidt is an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences Master of Public Health program. In this spotlight, she reflects on how her time at UAA shaped her career path—from the relationships that opened doors and guided her forward to the unexpected milestones.
Human Services alumna Billie Slaikeu knows a thing or two about what it means to start over. A retired certified nursing assistant, Billie returned to school in her sixties after being inspired by her daughter’s experience with mental illness. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2025.
A College of Health alumna and current employee of the Alaska Justice Information Center, Rus’sel Sampson has had a rich educational and professional journey. Her story exemplifies how a sense of curiosity in higher education can open unexpected doors that lead to meaningful careers.
School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn turned clinical expertise into entrepreneurial success. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at UAA helped her achieve her goals.
Dacia Davis, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and a graduate of UAA's MSW program, finds inspiration in teaching and community.
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
