Why a program to send UW doctors to rural areas is being threatened in Idaho

WWAMI is an acronym for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho… and it refers to a program created by the University of Washington that allows dozens of medical students from those states to study at the UW School of Medicine. 

The aim is to produce highly-skilled doctors who will go back and practice in rural, underserved areas of the Western U.S. But not everyone is happy with the 54-year-old program. 

Two bills have been introduced in the Idaho legislature: one that decreases the state’s participation in WWAMI and one that severs it completely.  

Guest: 

Emina Gulbis, an Idaho native and WWAMI student and in her fourth-year of medical training, who recently wrote in defense of Idaho’s participation in WWAMI

Relevant Links:

WWAMI has a vital role in the health care infrastructure of the state of Idaho

Idaho considers end to 50-year physician-training partnership with University of Washington over ‘Idaho values’

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