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.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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.
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 UAA Justice Center celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special legislative citation presented by Alaska state legislators. The citation recognized decades of impactful research, education, and public service in Alaska.
On September 27, the women’s volleyball team invited faculty to join them on the court for Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night. Among the honorees were four standout educators from the College of Health, each nominated by students.
MiLee Yu is a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. In September 2025, MiLee was awarded the BSW Student of the Year award at the Biennial National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Alaska Chapter Conference.
Oct. 3, 2025, was a big day for the Alaska Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which is proudly housed within the UAA College of Health! AHEC marked its 20th anniversary with a special legislative citation from the Alaska State Legislature—a well-deserved recognition for two decades of crucial work.
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.
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.