Foundations Phase Newsletter Winter 2025 - WWAMI Medical Education Program

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Montana WWAMI

A cooperative program of the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Contact Information

Email: wwami@montana.edu
Phone: (406) 994-4411
Address: 937 Highland Blvd., Suite 5220, Bozeman, MT 59715

Greetings from the Director

By Brant Schumaker, DVM, MPVM, Ph.D.
Director and Assistant Foundations Dean, Montana WWAMI

As I reflect on my first year in Montana WWAMI, I am continually inspired by the dedication of our students, faculty, and staff. From student research presentations at the Western Medical Research Conference to the ongoing strengthening of our Foundations curriculum, there is clear momentum across the program and much to celebrate.

Montana WWAMI's mission is deeply rooted in service to our state and its communities. That commitment is reflected in the success of our students and graduates. Sixty-five percent of Montana WWAMI alumni ultimately practice in Montana. Together, these outcomes underscore our role in strengthening the state's physician workforce.

Through a robust statewide clerkship network and strong partnerships with our clinical community, students gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and physician partners helps ensure graduates are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the communities they serve.

A key focus this year has been enhancing and systematizing academic support for students, with early results that are both promising and encouraging. With an exceptionally committed team and strong clinical partnerships across the state, Montana WWAMI looks forward to continuing to prepare the next generation of physicians.

"Thank you, WWAMI! This program allowed me to follow my dreams and return home to Montana!"— E84 Graduate

Brant Schumaker, Director and Assistant Foundations Dean of Montana WWAMI

WWAMI by the Numbers

1,167 Montanans have received medical education through Montana WWAMI since 1973.
590 WWAMI faculty taught at Montana hospitals and clinics during the last year.
30 Montana students per class begin the program and spend the first 18 months in the Foundations phase.
65% of WWAMI physicians return to Montana to practice over the life of the program.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Goodell

Dr. Laura Goodell is the recipient of this year's Montana WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is selected by students and recognizes the instructor who has had the greatest impact on their medical education.

Dr. Goodell is an E03 graduate of the Montana WWAMI program and has taught in Montana WWAMI for fifteen years. She currently serves as Site Lead for the Head/Neck/Gut, Reproduction and Development, and Integrations blocks. She also teaches Cardiovascular Systems and Respiration and Regulation. Outside of WWAMI, she practices as a family physician at Montana State University's Student Health Services.

Dr. Laura Goodell, recipient of the Montana WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Award

2025 Student Poster Session Awards

People's Choice Awards:

Mackenzie Bernhardt

Educational Outreach on Harm Reduction for Individuals with Substance Use Disorder in Helena, Montana

Lauren Bingham

Increasing Patient Opioid Education and Community Resource Utilization in Darby, Montana

Nina Coppolillo

Decreased Metabolism of Cervical Immune Cells After Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

Best Poster Awards:

Rebecca Boylan

Exercise as Medicine: Running for Body and Spirit in the Apsáalooke Tribe and Community of Hardin, Montana

Kyle Montgomery

Comparison of CAR T Cell Administration Routes in Murine CNS Lymphoma

Photo of a female medical student pointing to a chart on a research poster while a man looks on

Retiring Faculty

Colette Kirchhoff, M.D.

Photo of Dr. Colette Kirchhoff

Dr. Kirchhoff announced her retirement from Montana WWAMI effective June 2025 after 30 years of teaching. She served as the Foundations of Clinical Medicine Clinical Director and Faculty Mentor for 11 years.

She plans to continue practicing part-time at Eden Hospice and with the Montana Physicians Health Corporation while spending more time with her four grandchildren and continuing ethnobotany studies and teaching in Pony, Montana.

Pam Hiebert, M.D.

Photo of Dr. Pam Hiebert

After moving to Bozeman in 1988, Dr. Hiebert became involved with WWAMI through fellow faculty members. She taught third-year Internal Medicine clerkships for approximately ten years and most recently served as Primary Care Pathway Director.

She organized the annual Women in Medicine event and the Speed Dating Internal Medicine Physicians event. Although retiring from her director role, she plans to continue teaching first- and third-year students while maintaining her clinical practice. She also looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren and enjoying hiking, cross-country skiing, backpacking, and piano.

Bulletin Board

Montana Misses You!

Montana WWAMI alumni are encouraged to complete the graduate survey online:

A QR code to take the alumni survey

https://www.montana.edu/wwami/graduatesurvey.html

Alumni are also invited to visit the Montana WWAMI office, located on the second floor of Building 5 at Bozeman Health.

Welcome to the Montana WWAMI E25 Class!

A group of 30 male and female medical students posing in their white coats in front of a brick building

WWAMI on the Road

In January, seven Montana WWAMI students presented their research at the Western Medical Research Conference in Carmel, California: Madison Alessi,Barla Beaudoin,Rebecca Boylan,Kathryn Castro-Quilang,Nina Coppolillo,Brynne Miller, andHanna Nyquist.

The conference provided an opportunity for students to showcase their research and receive professional feedback in a supportive environment.

A female medical student at a podium next to a large screen showing a slide from a research presentation A group of eight men and women standing next to each other outside in front of a building

Montana WWAMI students presenting research at the Western Medical Research Conference in Carmel, California

Thank You for Your Support

Your tax-deductible donation helps support:

Student debt relief
Teaching equipment
Specialized learning opportunities
Student research opportunities

Giving Opportunities

WWAMI Contribution Fund

Provides flexible support for bringing together Montana students, faculty, and special guests in Bozeman and Seattle.

WWAMI Program Memorial Fund

Honors deceased alumni, faculty, and friends of WWAMI. The fund also supports the Dr. George Saari Professionalism Award, recognizing significant humanitarian contributions to medicine and the community.

WWAMI Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarship support for Montana WWAMI students as educational debt continues to rise nationally.

Teaching Equipment Fund

Supports the purchase of instructional equipment and educational software.

Donation Options

By mail using the donation form
Online: https://www.montana.edu/wwami/donations_gifts.html
By phone: 406-994-2053
By QR Code:

Questions may be directed to Brant Schumaker at 406-994-4411 or brant.schumaker@montana.edu.

Foundations Phase Newsletter 2026