The WWAMI School of Medical Education is a collaboration among 6 universities in five
northwestern states (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) and the University
of Washington School of Medicine. The University of Washington School of Medicine
ranked as #1 in the US for Primary Care Education in 2022 by US News & World Report.
Here at UAA, WWAMI is proud to offer both the Doctor of Medicine program in partnership
with the University of Washington, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in
Pre-Medical Studies to prepare students for medical school.
Academic Programs
This certificate is designed to help students who already have a baccalaureate degree
prepare themselves for medical school and complete their pre-requisite coursework.
With a focus on primary and rural health care, the Alaska WWAMI provides flexibility
as you pursue your career goals with advanced patient care training, electives and
other experiences that help you transition into residency training.
At UAA, computer science Professor Shawn Butler has been using machine learning to debunk COVID-19 misinformation on social media. Butler’s efforts are part of the Division of Population Health Sciences and Department of Journalism and Public Communication’s mission to combat COVID-19 misinformation on public-facing Facebook pages with scientifically accurate information from credited sources through its ongoing Alaska Public Health Information Response Team project.
Founding members of the Alaska Public Health Information Response Team submitted a book chapter proposal, entitled "Addressing Health Misinformation in the Infodemic Era: The Alaska Public Health Information Response Team," in the early spring of 2021 for consideration in a forthcoming book, "Building Health Misinformation Immunity: A Professional's Guide to Helping the Public," which was recently published.
A local group has been fighting inaccurate information on Facebook pages. Called the Alaska Public Health Information Response Team, it enlists UAA strategic communications students to spot the bad information, and local health professionals to intervene with posts on Facebook that introduce accurate information.
As the world continues to navigate this once-in-a-generation pandemic, new scientific breakthroughs are unearthed every day and are widely accessible online. Accompanying this free flow of information, however, is an increase of damaging misinformation, referred to by the World Health Organization as an Infodemic.
As misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic seemingly spills into almost every nook and cranny of the internet, some public health professionals in Alaska are countering false claims and myths in an embattled space: Facebook comment threads.
Highlights
Research
Researchers at UAA are active in medical studies related to health disparities, cancer
and community engagement. Come back soon to learn more about WWAMI research.
This annual event, co-hosted by Alaska WWAMI and the UAA College of Health, provides
information to anyone interested in pursuing careers in healthcare including medicine.
High school students, undergraduates, and college graduates are invited to attend.
The UW School of Medicine's Service Learning program provides students with opportunities
to hone their skills while addressing the health needs of our underserved communities.
WWAMI offers six Pathways giving students the opportunity to pursue a particular interest
and develop knowledge and skills specifically tailored to working with specific communities
domestically and abroad.