UW Medical Students Honored

The Wyoming Medical Society (WMS) recently awarded scholarships to three students in the University of Wyoming medical education program, WWAMI.

The WMS first-year student scholarships were awarded to Tyler “TJ’ Baldwin of Riverton and Hannah Phillips from Gillette. Another scholarship was awarded to graduating fourth-year student Amy Kennedy, of Wheatland.

The first-year scholarship, established by past WMS President Mike Jording, recognizes dedication in the pursuit of medicine.

Students are awarded for outstanding performance throughout the year and for choosing to commit to practice medicine in Wyoming and for the future health of Wyoming patients. Selection criteria include an applicant statement of interest in medicine, academic performance, student evaluations from the first semester and financial need.

In addition to receiving a scholarship, Kennedy was voted as the most outstanding Wyoming WWAMI graduate.

“The Wyoming Medical Society has been incredibly generous to our WWAMI program over the years with clinical service, legislative support and financially through scholarships," says director Tim Robinson. “The Wyoming Academy of Family Physicians recently supported the WWAMI program with a sizable scholarship as well.”

WWAMI is a unique medical education program that trains physicians, many of whom practice in Wyoming and other northwestern states. WWAMI stands for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Wyoming’s WWAMI students must return to the state to practice medicine for three years after completing residency, or they must repay the state the amount of money expended on their behalf. Wyoming’s rate of 64 of 95 graduates returning to the state to practice -- 67 percent -- is the highest in the WWAMI region.