Idaho WWAMI Medical Education Program
Idaho WWAMI — Idaho’s medical school
Idaho WWAMI is a partnership between the nationally ranked University of Washington School of Medicine and the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI). Since 1972, this partnership has been shaping Idaho’s future doctors, with students — all Idaho residents — starting their journey at University of Idaho.
From day one, students are immersed in rural Idaho, preparing to be a doctor in a state with unique health care needs.
The first 18 months, known as the Foundations Phase, take place in Moscow. This is followed by the Clinical Phase, where students work with health care professionals to gain hands-on experience in rural and urban settings throughout Idaho and the WWAMI region.
Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the United States Medical Licensing Exam.
Why WWAMI?
With the Idaho WWAMI medical education program at U of I, you’ll gain the knowledge, practical experience and network to set yourself apart in the medical field. Here’s how:
- Top-ranked partnership: Benefit from a curriculum co-developed by U of I and the University of Washington School of Medicine.
- Community-centered learning: Participate in real-world training in a variety of health care settings, reflecting Idaho's diverse medical needs.
- Specialized opportunities: Take location-based elective courses like wilderness medicine.
- Commitment to Idaho: Make a difference here. 51% of WWAMI graduates return to practice in Idaho, well above the national average of 39%.
- Our people: Learn from experienced faculty and dedicated staff guiding the next generation of physicians.
Become an Idaho WWAMI student
The first step to becoming an Idaho WWAMI student is to apply to the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) and select Idaho as your state of residence. As part of the application review, you’ll be directed to submit your residency certification worksheet. Don’t submit the residency worksheet prior to contact from University of Washington. Once your application is reviewed, you will receive instructions to certify your residency.
Contact the UWSOM Admissions team for more information.
Target Rural Underserved Track (TRUST)
Prepare for future practice in underserved rural areas and underserved small cities of the WWAMI region by applying for the Target Rural Underserved Track.
Pre-med mentoring
The journey to medical school is challenging, but the Pre-Med Mentoring Program is here to help you navigate it with confidence. This program pairs future physicians with current Idaho WWAMI medical students, building supportive relationships that help lighten the load of med school.
To apply, you must have high school junior standing or higher and be a resident of a WWAMI region state. Priority will be given to students from rural and medically underserved communities.
Eligibility
- High school junior standing (11th grade) or higher
- Resident of a WWAMI region state (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho)
- Priority will be given to applicants from historically underrepresented populations and/or disadvantaged backgrounds, including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, students from rural and/or medically underserved communities and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. If necessary to accommodate demand, Idaho WWAMI will give priority to Idaho residents.
Mentee responsibilities
- Attend program orientation (Zoom meeting, date/time to be determined)
- Collaborate with your mentor to develop a list of goals based upon your needs
- Be on time for all scheduled meetings with your mentor
- Notify your mentor as soon as possible if you are unable to attend for a reason such as illness, etc.
- Respond to all communications from your mentor in a timely manner (e.g. within 72 hours)
Note: Inability to fulfill mentee responsibilities, including repeatedly missing meetings, may result in removal from the Idaho WWAMI Pre-med Mentoring program so that other applicants might have the opportunity to participate.
Get pre-med mentoring
Navigate your journey.
Idaho WWAMI research opportunities
At Idaho WWAMI, research fuels your journey. Between your first and second years, you’ll tackle the Independent Investigative Inquiry (III), designing and presenting a research project at the annual Research Symposium. This experience will empower you to ask bold questions and uncover innovative solutions in medicine.
Beyond the Independent Investigative Inquiry, you’re encouraged to engage in research under faculty supervision, present at conferences and earn recognition for your work. Blaze new trails and make your mark in medicine.
Hands-on learning with Idaho WWAMI
Jump headfirst into medicine with Idaho WWAMI’s hands-on learning opportunities, designed to prepare you for an impactful career. From early clinical exposure to immersive rural experiences, Idaho WWAMI sets you up for success while strengthening health care access across the state.
Medical students in action
Every student has an impactful story to tell. See how they’re applying their skills in actual clinics and preparing for their future in health care.
Studying medicine with a human perspective
Idaho WWAMI’s Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP) prepares students to care for rural and underserved communities. For student Sydney Mena, it’s been “the experience of a lifetime.”
Pathology: Piecing together medical mysteries
Get to know more about the field of pathology and how a WWAMI student is paving her way with a fellowship opportunity.
Financial support and scholarships
Medical school can be financially challenging. That’s why Idaho WWAMI provides opportunities for merit and need-based scholarships to medical students, making quality education accessible to all.
You can apply for financial aid through the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Learn more about financial aid opportunities
Payback Bill
Idaho WWAMI and University of Utah medical students in Idaho-reserved slots must commit to four years of full-time practice in Idaho to receive WWAMI tuition rates and scholarships. This begins within a year of licensure, residency or fellowship completion.