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.
Health sciences major and psychology minor Maisha Chowdhury describes choosing to attend UAA as the best decision of her life (so far) and for making her the person she is today. The fall 2025 undergraduate commencement speaker hopes her own journey inspires others to take risks and follow their passion.
Dakota Ramirez, an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences, serves as the Community Programs Manager for Special Olympics Alaska. She applies her education to create meaningful programs and support families with disabilities, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
Nicole Blue has been part of the Seawolf Women’s Volleyball team since 2020. She’s a champion both on and off the court! The senior is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology. Blue shares some highlights from her time at UAA.
Rosario Aranda-Borders, an alumna of UAA’s Division of Population Health Sciences, reflects on her time at UAA, offering advice and sharing her future goals as she pursues a Master of Public Health.
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.