In The News

Women account for the largest growing veteran population, yet many don’t apply for the benefits they earned

military boots and helmet on floor

Alaska is tied for the highest number of female veterans in the United States, but many of them do not use services through the VA in Alaska. Alaska’s News Source spoke to UAA Assistant Professor and veteran, Vanessa Meade, about potential obstacles related to the issue.

New statewide data tells mixed story about crime in Alaska

hands in handcuffs

This year's annual Crime in Alaska report was recently released. Brad Myrstol, Justice Center Professor and Alaska Justice Information Center Director, discussed the data compiled from police agencies across the state with Anchorage Daily News.

UAA dental clinic assists 52 young Alaskans with oral care

Dental students talking to boy in dental chair

The UAA dental hygiene program provided free preventative dental care for youth ages 3-17 on Oct. 27 during its annual UAA Cares for Kids Day (formerly UAA Children's Day).

WWAMI Wilderness Medicine Retreat Fosters Team Building and Readies Med Students for Local Challenges

students preparing a simulated bear attack victim for transportation

In Alaska's vast wilderness, medical emergencies can occur anywhere. The WWAMI School of Medical Education hosts an annual Wilderness Medicine Retreat at Alyeska Ski Resort to train first-year medical students in essential skills and teamwork through simulated scenarios.

Program highlights need for physician assistants in Alaska

A PA holding a stethoscope

On the campus of UAA, the University of Washington Anchorage Physician Assistant Program is helping recruit and retain healthcare workers in Alaska. The Kaiser Family Foundation says 22% of primary care needs are being met in Alaska. The need for physician assistance is critical, especially in rural Alaska.

Opinion: the secret sauce to a vibrant physician workforce is early community exposure

city of ketchikan

Over the summer, many young Alaska WWAMI medical students p​articipated in a transformative 4-week elective ​a​cross the state. The Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP, said as “roo-op”) is for students between their first and second years of medical school that are interested in experiencing a practice in the Alaska bush. Physicians in remote communities are jack-of-all-trade, rugged individualists and those characteristics serve as healthcare cornerstones in many areas of Alaska’s Greatland.

Staffing shortages at Alaska pharmacies continue after pandemic-related shakeup

Pharmacist

Alaska continues to see staffing shortages at pharmacies, made worse by the pandemic, but also due to conditions affecting the state more broadly. UAA/ISU Doctor of Pharmacy program faculty member, Dr. Coleman Cutchins, discusses the issue with Alaska Public Media.

Racial disparities for Alaska Native and American Indian inmates: A troubling picture

Lorem ipsum

UAA Justice Center Professor and Alaska Justice Information Center Director, Brad Myrstol, spoke with KNBA about the disproportionally high number of Alaska Native and American Indian inmates in the Alaskan and U.S. prison system.

Hometown, Alaska: Discussing mental health awareness and suicide prevention

trees surrounding trail covered in snow

Master of Social Work student Shana Cooper works with the Alaska Native Justice Center. She joined the Hometown, Alaska podcast to talk about mental health and suicide prevention in the state.

UAA dental hygiene students step up to serve Alaskans in need

UAA Dental Hygiene student at the RAM

The Remote Area Medical (RAM) nonprofit clinic recently made its first visit to Alaska, setting up pop-up clinics in Anchorage and Fairbanks to provide free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need. However, RAM faced a challenge when it came to staffing the clinics with dental hygiene volunteers.

College of Health News Archive