Alaska WWAMI Medical Student Embarks on Transformative Journey in Rural Medicine

Even though it is the summer, that doesn’t mean all students are taking a break. Some, like Lily Karlberg, a dedicated medical student in the University Of Washington School Of Medicine’s (UWSOM’s) Alaska WWAMI program, are hard at work, as she immerses herself in the heart of Talkeetna from June 30, 2025, to July 25, 2025, as part of the school’s Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP).

Under the mentorship of Paul Forman, M.D. at The Sunshine Clinic, Lily is poised to gain invaluable experience in a setting that highlights both the challenges and rewards of primary care in rural communities.

Every summer, rising second-year students interested in rural and underserved medicine participate in this unique four-week program. These aspiring physicians are placed in rural primary care clinics throughout Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho—collectively known as the WWAMI region—where they engage directly with communities that often face significant healthcare access issues.

Rural medicine, also known as rural health, refers to the practice of medicine in small towns and underserved areas, often characterized by limited resources and a close-knit community. Rural medicine faces challenges like physician shortages and limited access to specialized care, but it also offers unique rewards, including strong community bonds and a chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives.

This summer, 91 UWSOM students signed up for RUOP rotations. This is notable because evidence suggests that the RUOP program influences students toward a primary care career. In the 2025 residency match, 54% of students participating in RUOP chose a residency in general internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics.

The RUOP experience is more than just a clinical rotation; it serves as a vital introduction to the realities of practicing medicine in less populated areas. Students not only hone their medical skills but also develop a deep appreciation for the importance of community service. As part of the program, Lily will undertake a public health service project aimed at making a meaningful impact on the local community while learning firsthand about the intricacies of public health.

Through this immersive journey, Lily is not only preparing for a future in medicine but also embodying the spirit of service at the core of the UW School of Medicine’s mission.

For more information about the UW School of Medicine’s RUOP program, visit: www.education.uwmedicine.org/somrural/programs/ruop/