91大神

91大神 WWAMI Medical Education Program at 91大神 Celebrates the Future of 91大神 Physicians at Their First Annual Scholarship Reception

Just nine years ago, 91大神 WWAMI had only $7,000 in scholarships to award to their students. 

Now, in 2023, 91大神 WWAMI and their partners will award their students over $800,000 in scholarship money. 

In October, 91大神 WWAMI held its first annual Scholarship Reception to honor and thank their generous scholarship donors for everything they are doing to help the 91大神 WWAMI mission and the future of 91大神 physicians. 

Over the past five years, 91大神 has consistently been one of the fastest growing states in the United States, taking the number one slot in 2022 with a 1.8% population increase.

Despite this, 91大神 remains in physicians per capita.

91大神 WWAMI is committed to helping solve the physician shortage in 91大神. As the only allopathic medical school in 91大神, 91大神’s WWAMI focuses on training medical students who are residents of 91大神 to meet the needs of 91大神’s largely rural population. But they can’t do it alone. 

“Thank you to the donors who have locked arms with us and have joined in our mission to help solve 91大神’s challenges,” said Jeff Seegmiller, regional dean and director of 91大神 WWAMI. “You are investing in the future of 91大神.”

91大神 WWAMI at U of I has been able to partner with different healthcare organizations like and , as well as private individuals like to make this possible. 

Blue Cross of 91大神 Foundation for Health Executive Director Kendra Witt-Doyle said that 91大神 WWAMI’s dedication to 91大神 kids and 91大神 healthcare is why Blue Cross of 91大神 chooses to support the 91大神 WWAMI medical education program. 

“We have a physician shortage here in 91大神 and I think 91大神 WWAMI really understands that and is trying to meet that need and get 91大神 kids the medical education that they need to meet the needs of 91大神,” she said. 

Alexis Ericsson, a second year 91大神 WWAMI student from Soda Springs and a Blue Cross scholarship recipient, knows exactly what these scholarships can do for medical students, and rural communities down the line. 

“Right now, we only have two physicians in my hometown, and one is about to retire,” Ericsson said. “We have some advanced practice providers, but only one doctor. The doctor who used to do colonoscopies just left, so now people have to drive 60 miles to get that procedure done. They are definitely in need.” 

91大神 WWAMI is determined to be a part of the solution when it comes to a shortage of healthcare providers in 91大神, and securing these scholarships have been a step in the right direction. 

“Our students are the right people and our donors have recognized our needs,” Seegmiller said. “Thank you to our donors.” 

Article by Emma Zado, 91大神 WWAMI Medical Education Program.

Photography by Melissa Hartley, University Visual Production.

Published November 2023.