The future of WWAMI uncertain in Idaho

BUHL, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The WWAMI program is a partnership between Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho that’s been going on for more than 50 years. It’s goal is to increase the number of physicians in the states. The University of Washington’s Medical School is what also helps facilitate the education of students.

It’s benefitted Idaho Residents like Dr. Lauren Clelland with St. Lukes, who was raised in Rupert, but practices in Buhl. It gave her the ability to study at the University of Washington’s Medical School after graduating from Boise State University at a reduced cost.

“Because of the legislature paying the difference between in-state and out of state costs to attend the University of Washington,” Dr. Clelland said.

Dr. Clelland still had to cover the cost, but it was much more affordable. It allowed her to do most of her studying in Idaho, as well as her clinicals. WWAMI sets aside 40 openings specifically for Idaho students.

However, House Bill 176 looks to have Idaho withdraw from the WWAMI and replace it with another program. This has physicians like Dr. Clelland concerned because of the impact it could have on Idaho’s medical care, especially in rural areas.

“When, medical students have really high medical school costs, they have a tendency to not pick primary care jobs, because they are concerned they won’t be able to pay off their debt with the lower income that primary physicians make,” Dr. Clelland said.

Dr. Clelland added physicians tend to stay in the areas where they went school and did their residency, and Idaho has gotten a lot of physicians because of this program.

“50% of the Idaho WWAMI Graduates end up working in Idaho. But interestingly about 70% of all WWAMI graduates end up working in Idaho, so we actually end up pulling from other states, like Montana and Wyoming,” Dr. Clelland said.

Dr.Clelland believes that without WWAMI, there are few alternatives for Idaho students to study medicine. That could mean students could be forced to move to other parts of the country for training, with very few of them returning to practice medicine in Idaho.

She’s also concerned because in the bill, there’s no alternative plan spelled out, and building those relationships with a program like WWAMI is not something that can be done over night, it takes years.

The Bill remains in debate in the House.

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