UAA WWAMI MD Program 2025: How to Apply and Succeed as an Alaska Medical Student
Introduction to UAA WWAMI Medical School
The WWAMI MD program at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers Alaska residents the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree through a unique partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine.
WWAMI—Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—is a five‑state medical education model established in 1971 to bring high-quality physician training to underserved, rural areas .
Anchorage serves as the Alaska hub, allowing students to complete the first 18 months—the foundational phase—directly on campus before transitioning to clinical training across Alaska, the broader WWAMI region, and a mandatory rotation in Seattle .
Why UAA WWAMI Is Special
Train in Alaska, For Alaska
WWAMI empowers Alaskans to complete their full medical education within the state, fostering community investment and retention .
Its rural and urban components provide hands-on exposure—from remote clinics in villages like Utqiaġvik and Unalaska to major Anchorage hospitals—ensuring graduates understand the breadth of Alaska’s healthcare needs .
Small Cohort, Strong Support
With just 25–30 students admitted annually, the program ensures close mentorship and collaborative learning.
Shared facilities with nursing, occupational therapy, and public health departments create rich interprofessional experiences .
Focus on Primary Care & Rural Health
Ranked #1 in Primary Care by U.S. News & World Report, UW School of Medicine’s WWAMI emphasizes preparing doctors for rural/underserved areas .
The WRITE (WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience) program embeds students in rural clinics across Alaska to deepen community engagement .
Cultural Relevance & Equity
Health programs include Alaska Native, Indigenous, and rural health initiatives—offering courses, traditional healing training, and cultural mentorship to address healthcare disparities .
Program Structure & Curriculum
Foundations Phase (Years 1–2)
Location: UAA Anchorage campus, Health Sciences Building.
Timeline: 18 months segmented into seven learning “blocks” and three thematic “threads,” blending basic sciences, clinical skills, ethics, health systems, health equity, and rural care .
Courses include clinical immersion, health systems, and ecology of health, taught through interactive modules and standardized with UW curriculum .
Clinical Phase (Years 3–4)
Choose to complete core clerkships across Alaska or other WWAMI states.
All students spend 8–12 weeks in Seattle at UW-affiliated hospitals for select rotations .
A prime highlight is the WRITE rural rotation, providing immersive experiences in small rural hospitals and clinics across Alaska .
Eligibility & Admissions Pathway
Alaska Residency
To apply, candidates must:
1. Be Alaska residents—physically living in Alaska for at least two consecutive years ending by the fall before matriculation; exceptions include full-time study outside Alaska, military service, Peace Corps, or relevant employment .
2. Complete and submit the Alaska WWAMI Eligibility Form plus supporting documents (proof of residency, driver’s license, lease, dividends, etc.) by November 1 .
Academic Preparedness
Applicants must have:
A Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Pre‑med coursework:
Biology (1 year)
Physics (1 year, no GER)
Chemistry (2 years including biochemistry and organic/inorganic)
Humanities/Social Sciences (recommended) .
MCAT scores covering all components, mandatory for application .
Clinical Exposure & Community Service
Evidence of clinical experience (shadowing, volunteering, research) is strongly encouraged—especially in rural or underserved settings .
While there is no fixed service-hour minimum, most successful candidates report substantial volunteer commitment
Application Timeline
1. AMCAS submission: Opens early May; WWAMI deadline is October 1.
2. Secondary application + Eligibility Form: November 1.
3. Letters of Recommendation: By December 1, submitted to AMCAS.
4. Interviews: Conducted virtually (mostly) from fall through early spring.
5. Class Offers: Finalized by spring, including MPN (Master Promissory Note) by July 30 .
Tuition, Funding & Payback Obligations
Tuition Rates
Years 1–2: Charged by UAA at rates equal to UW resident tuition .
Years 3–4: Paid directly to UW SOM, again at subsidized resident rates courtesy of Alaska’s support .
Loan & Repayment Structure
Alaska state subsidizes WWAMI education; these funds are treated as loans.
Forgiveness is possible through Alaska medical practice:
3 years in rural Alaska or
5 years in urban Alaska .
Loan Servicing
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) issues awards and manages promissory notes.
American Education Services (AES) handles servicing; loans deferred during residency, and forgiveness documents submitted upon completion of service .
Student Experience & Support
Facilities & Resources
Students use modern anatomy and simulation labs in the Health Sciences building.
Close proximity to Alaska Native Medical Center, Providence Alaska Medical Center, and other healthcare affiliates offers rich clinical exposure .
Student Services
Mentorship & advising from UAA and UW faculty.
Indigenous & rural student centers, Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP), and culturally focused initiatives like Della Keats and Alaskan traditional kitchens .
Extracurricular Engagement
Opportunities to participate in research, public health outreach, and community service.
Active student groups, peer study networks, and rural healthcare advocacy teams.
Outcomes & Career Pathways
Residency Matching
Graduates match into primary care and specialized residencies across the WWAMI region and U.S.
A strong percentage choose Alaska-based residencies, supporting state retention goals.
Practice Commitment
Many fulfill the state loan forgiveness requirement by practicing in rural communities or Anchorage, helping alleviate physician shortages.
Life as a WWAMI Medical Student at UAA
A Day in the Life
Students at UAA WWAMI begin their days with interactive lectures, case-based learning (CBL), anatomy labs, and small group discussions.
Unlike many large institutions, the smaller cohort size ensures individual attention and a tight-knit community.
Afternoons often involve simulation labs, community health visits, or interprofessional team exercises with nursing and public health students.
Clinical skill-building starts in the very first block, where students learn patient interviews, vital signs, suturing, and more using standardized patients and manikins.
Campus Culture
Inclusive Environment: Students represent diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and there’s a strong emphasis on mutual support.
Peer Teaching: Senior students frequently mentor juniors through tutoring, Q&A sessions, and application guidance.
Cultural Learning: Alaska Native health sessions and cultural humility workshops are woven into the program, fostering compassionate, competent doctors.
Research & Innovation
Research Opportunities
While UAA is primarily focused on clinical training, students have access to a wide range of research opportunities through the WWAMI Institute for Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) and UW-affiliated projects. Research domains include:
Rural medicine innovation
Indigenous health disparities
Mental health & addiction treatment
Climate change & public health
Telemedicine in remote regions
How Students Engage in Research
Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) through UW SOM
Participation in the Alaska WWAMI Research Symposium
Faculty-mentored projects in Anchorage or during clerkships
Step-by-Step Application Strategy
If you’re an aspiring Alaskan doctor, here’s how to strategically plan your journey:
Step 1: Early Planning
Start science prerequisites by sophomore year
Shadow local physicians (especially in rural Alaska)
Volunteer with public health or tribal clinics
Attend UAA’s pre‑med workshops
Step 2: Test Preparation
MCAT should ideally be taken by June–August before application
Recommended prep: 6 months self-study or formal course
Aim for a balanced score (505–515+ recommended)
Step 3: Personal Statement & Letters
Highlight Alaska connection, motivation to serve
Secure 3–5 strong letters (physician, science faculty, community leader)
Talk about challenges overcome, leadership, and cultural experiences
Step 4: Application Timeline
Task Deadline (Approx.)
AMCAS opens May
Submit AMCAS Oct 1
Secondary + Residency Form Nov 1
Letters of Rec Dec 1
Interviews Nov–Feb
Offers Finalized March–April
Alumni Success Stories
Dr. Alyssa London – Returning Home to Serve
An Alaska Native WWAMI graduate, Dr. London now serves in a regional hospital in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. She praises the rural WRITE program for preparing her to thrive in isolated villages with limited infrastructure.
Dr. Sean Nakamura – Primary Care in Anchorage
After graduating from UAA WWAMI and completing residency at Alaska Family Medicine, Dr. Nakamura now leads a neighborhood clinic in east Anchorage. He mentors WWAMI students and leads workshops on opioid safety.
Key Statistics & Outcomes
Metric Value
Class Size ~25 per year
Average MCAT (accepted range) 505–515
Acceptance Rate (Alaska applicants) ~8–12%
Residency Match Rate 98%
% Practicing in Alaska Post-Residency 60–70%
Primary Care Match 50–60%
Alaska Loan Forgiveness Utilization 90%
Unique Advantages of WWAMI in Alaska
Geographic Diversity: From urban Anchorage to rural Bethel to the Arctic circle
Firsthand Rural Exposure: Unlike traditional programs, you live and train in the places you’ll serve
Community-Centered Teaching: Courses emphasize listening to, respecting, and responding to local values
Integrated Systems Training: Learn not just medicine—but how healthcare systems work across states
The WRITE & TRUST Programs Explained
WRITE: WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience
Students live in a rural community (e.g., Nome, Dillingham) for ~6 months during their third year. They work directly with a preceptor in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and more—often building lasting bonds.
TRUST: Targeted Rural & Underserved Track
For students committed to underserved populations. TRUST begins in Year 1 and includes special rural rotations, mentorship, and continuity projects.
Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarships
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Stipends
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment
Alaska WWAMI Loan Forgiveness: Serve in-state and reduce or eliminate tuition-based debt
UAA Foundation Awards: Local scholarships based on merit and need
Alaska’s Healthcare Landscape: Why It Matters
Alaska faces a significant physician shortage, especially in:
Rural emergency care
Women’s health
Psychiatry and addiction
Pediatrics
Internal medicine
UAA WWAMI is directly combating this crisis by growing local talent rather than importing physicians who may not stay. Its community-centered, service-driven design makes it a key pillar of Alaska’s public health future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – UAA WWAMI MD Program
1. What is the UAA WWAMI MD Program?
Answer:
The UAA WWAMI MD Program is Alaska’s in-state medical education track offered through a partnership between the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM).
WWAMI stands for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—the five states that collaborate to educate future physicians, especially for rural and underserved communities.
2. Is WWAMI a full medical school program?
Answer:
Yes. Students accepted into the UAA WWAMI MD Program complete the first 18 months of medical education in Anchorage (the “Foundations Phase”) and finish their clinical rotations (Years 3–4) across Alaska and other WWAMI states.
The degree awarded is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Washington School of Medicine, which is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the U.S.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the UAA WWAMI program?
Answer:
Only Alaska residents are eligible. Applicants must prove they’ve lived physically in Alaska for at least two consecutive years before applying.
Exceptions may be granted for military service, school enrollment, or other approved absences. A separate Alaska WWAMI Eligibility Form must be submitted with proof of residency.
4. How competitive is the WWAMI MD program in Alaska?
Answer:
The program is highly competitive. UAA WWAMI typically receives 250–300 applications for approximately 25–30 seats each year.
Strong candidates usually have a GPA of 3.5+, MCAT scores in the 505–515 range, and demonstrate a deep commitment to practicing medicine in Alaska.
5. Do I need to take the MCAT to apply?
Answer:
Yes. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for all WWAMI applicants. Competitive MCAT scores are typically above 505, though no minimum cutoff is officially published.
Your MCAT must be taken within three years of the year of expected matriculation.
6. What is the timeline to apply?
Answer:
AMCAS Application Opens: Early May
WWAMI Deadline via AMCAS: October 1
Secondary Application + Eligibility Form: Due by November 1
Letters of Recommendation: Due by December 1
Interviews: Held between November and February
Final Admissions Decisions: Released by March–April
7. Can I complete all four years of medical school in Alaska?
Answer:
Not entirely. The first 18 months (Foundations Phase) are completed in Anchorage. Clinical training is then done across various locations in Alaska and the broader WWAMI region.
Additionally, all students must complete at least one required rotation in Seattle through the University of Washington School of Medicine.
8. How much does the UAA WWAMI MD program cost?
Answer:
Tuition is aligned with University of Washington School of Medicine’s in-state tuition. Alaska students benefit from state subsidies through the WWAMI Contract Seat Program, reducing the financial burden.
Note: Students are required to sign a loan agreement with the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), which can be forgiven upon meeting specific service requirements in Alaska.
9. What is the WWAMI payback or loan forgiveness program?
Answer:
Alaska subsidizes the cost of medical education through a forgivable loan. Students can have their WWAMI loan forgiven if they:
Practice 3 years in a rural area of Alaska, or
Practice 5 years in an urban Alaska community
This encourages graduates to serve Alaskan communities, especially in underserved areas.
10. Do I need prior healthcare experience to apply?
Answer:
While not mandatory, clinical experience is strongly recommended. Competitive applicants often have:
Physician shadowing hours
Hospital or clinic volunteer work
Public health or tribal health experience
Research involvement (especially rural or Indigenous health)
This shows commitment to medicine and familiarity with patient care.
11. Is there a special track for rural medicine?
Answer:
Yes. The program offers two specialized tracks:
WRITE (WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience): A 6-month rural clerkship experience in small Alaska communities.
TRUST (Targeted Rural and Underserved Track): Begins in Year 1 and follows a student throughout medical school, focused on underserved populations.
12. Can I work or apply for scholarships while in the program?
Answer:
Yes, although first-year students often find the workload intensive. Scholarships available include:
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarships
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) stipends
UAA Foundation Scholarships
Work-study is sometimes available in non-academic roles on campus.
13. What degree do I receive after completing the WWAMI MD Program?
Answer:
You will earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine, which is nationally ranked and accredited.
14. Can I transfer from another medical school into WWAMI?
Answer:
No. The WWAMI program does not accept transfer students from other medical schools. All students must enter through the standard first-year admissions process and complete all four years as part of the WWAMI curriculum.
15. What are my career options after graduation?
Answer:
WWAMI graduates match into top residency programs across the U.S., including in Alaska. Many return to practice in primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, OB-GYN, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Graduates may also choose to specialize or pursue research, public health, or rural healthcare leadership.
16. Where can I get help with my application?
Answer:
Visit https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/wwami
Attend UAA’s Pre-Medical Advising workshops
Connect with the Pre-Medical Society at UAA
Contact WWAMI Admissions Advisors via UAA or UW SOM
Conclusion: Building Alaska’s Next Generation of Physicians
The University of Alaska Anchorage WWAMI MD Program is far more than a medical education track—it’s a transformative journey rooted in community, purpose, and place.
As Alaska’s only pathway to earning an MD in-state, it equips future doctors with not just clinical knowledge, but the resilience, compassion, and cultural sensitivity required to care for some of the most geographically and socially diverse populations in the United States.
By combining world-class medical education from the University of Washington School of Medicine with local, community-driven experiences, the program ensures that students not only learn medicine—they learn Alaska.
From early clinical exposure to immersive rural rotations, WWAMI graduates emerge with the confidence to lead in tribal clinics, urban hospitals, and remote villages alike.
For Alaska residents who dream of serving their home state, the WWAMI MD Program offers a unique and powerful path. It champions the mission of training physicians for Alaska, in Alaska, and with Alaska at heart.
And as the state continues to face critical shortages in primary care and rural medicine, each WWAMI student carries with them the potential to heal communities and shape the future of Alaska’s healthcare system.
If you’re ready to make a difference—not just earn a degree—then UAA’s WWAMI program might be the perfect place to begin your medical journey. You won’t just graduate as a doctor. You’ll graduate as a doctor for Alaska.
