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
Jessica Ross, an alumni of UAA's dental hygiene program and current assistant professor in the Department of Human Services, was recently honored with the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. The award recognizes emerging leaders in higher education who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, equity, and community engagement.
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.
UAA hosts its first Native Heritage Month celebration, inviting students and community members to honor Alaska Native culture and resilience.
When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she’s not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. “Culturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,” said Pook. “Looking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.”
After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to UAA.
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
