M.D. Program
Pioneering medical education for more than 70 years.
Five States, One School
M.D. students study throughout Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho for maximum experience across urban and rural environments.
Nationally Ranked
We are committed to fostering an culture that is inclusive, equitable and diverse.
Next Generation Curriculum
Our competency-based curriculum features more active and small-group learning, and clinical training from day one.
Explore our M.D. curriculum and programs.
In the early 1970s, the University of Washington took on a bold challenge to train and prepare physicians to care for patients and communities throughout Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (known by the acronym WAMI for the states served). Today, this regional medical education program known as WWAMI (Wyoming joined in 1996) is heralded as one of the most innovative medical education and training programs in the country.
The M.D. curriculum occurs in three phases beginning with the Foundations phase (first 18 months of medical school), followed by the Patient Care phase (12 months of required and elective training) and concluding with the Explore and Focus phase (15 months of required advanced patient care, emergency medicine, neurology and elective clinical training).
The University of Washington School of Medicine has one of the most unique medical education programs in the nation. The program focuses on personalizing medical education for students and providing a deep understanding of fundamental clinical skills and professionalism. At the core of this program, the Colleges pairs an integrated curriculum with faculty mentoring.
The University of Washington School of Medicine Service Learning program enriches medical education by cultivating skills that address the health needs of underserved communities, support health equity and promote social justice. Our program boasts a wide array of student-driven projects in Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Service learning projects are divided into four categories: clinical, health education, advocacy and pipeline.
The UW School of Medicine offers students the opportunity to pursue a particular interest and develop knowledge and skills through unique pathways. Students can participate in a range of pathways, from those dedicated to working with underserved communities domestically and abroad, to others focused on humanities and arts, or research.
The UW School of Medicine is committed to helping create the physician workforce needed to serve the WWAMI region. To this end, the UW School of Medicine offers unique rural and underserved training opportunities to fit a variety of interest levels, including a 4-week summer rotation program, a longitudinal, integrated clerkship program, and a 4-year integrated rural program.
The UW School of Medicine Office of Student Affairs urges our students to utilize the many services and support options available throughout the WWAMI region.
Academic support: Each of the WWAMI sites offers on-site support to help students gain necessary academic skills to be successful students, including study strategies, preparation for the national USMLE board exams and tutoring services.
Career advising: Our career advisors work with students throughout medical school to help explore medical specialties, find the best career path in medicine and help with residency applications.
Mental health counseling services: Each WWAMI site offers students access to mental health counselors who understand the unique needs and challenges faced by UWSOM medical students. This service is provided free of charge.
Wellness: The health and well-being of our medical students is a top priority. To help students thrive during medical school, we offer a wide array of wellness offerings that aim to increase students’ emotional, physical and social well-being.
Financial aid: The UWSOM financial aid counselors understand the unique financial aid situations of students across WWAMI. They offer support to students regarding aid, scholarships, loans, budgeting and loan repayment.
Student organizations: There are more than 45 student organizations within the UWSOM. These organizations allow students to explore specialties, connect with peers, engage in meaningful extracurricular activities and form groups around topics of interest.
Support for the learning environment: Students learn in a variety of settings — small groups, lecture halls, hospitals and clinics—and we believe each of these environments should offer a rich, positive and professional learning experience. When students feel their learning environment is not optimal, we offer them support in navigating concerns or issues.