Elias Colberg, a dedicated medical student in the University of Washington School of Medicine’s (UWSOM’s) Alaska WWAMI program, is immersing himself in the heart of Valdez from June 21, 2025, to July 18, 2025, as part of the school’s Rural Underserved Opportunities Program (RUOP). Under the mentorship of John Cullen, MD, Family Physician at Valdez Medical Center, Colberg 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.
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, Elias Colberg 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.