WWAMI TRUST Scholars become exceptional rural physicians
During my time as a TRUST scholar in Hailey, I had the opportunity to form truly meaningful relationships with my patients. I helped provide prenatal care for an expecting mother, assisted with her delivery, and saw her baby at a four-month well-child visit. At the other end of the spectrum of life, I had conversations with terminally ill patients about transitioning to hospice care, went on home visits, and remained involved until their passing, writes guest columnist Alexis Ericsson. (Getty Images)
As a third-year WWAMI student from Soda Springs, I am writing on behalf of 18 current and former rural medicine trainees in Idaho, primarily from the TRUST program. We are concerned that House Bill 368 will detrimentally impact the state's rural physician pipeline. WWAMI, Idaho's medical education program through the University of Washington School of Medicine, has been educating aspiring physicians from Idaho for 53 years.
Since 2013, WWAMI's Targeted Rural and Underserved Track (TRUST) program has reserved a portion of each class for students from small towns like Cottonwood, Payette, Rockland and Victor. This program is unlike any other in the country and has established a successful pipeline for training exceptional rural physicians.
TRUST scholars spend about nine months throughout medical school embedded in rural continuity sites including half of their third year, engaged in clinical learning experiences. This program allows them to 'try on' life as a small-town doctor and is currently running in Sandpoint, Orofino, Moscow, McCall, Nampa, Hailey and Jerome.
During my time as a TRUST scholar in Hailey, I had the opportunity to form truly meaningful relationships with my patients. I helped provide prenatal care for an expecting mother, assisted with her delivery, and saw her baby at a four-month well-child visit. At the other end of the spectrum of life, I had conversations with terminally ill patients about transitioning to hospice care, went on home visits, and remained involved until their passing.
It was a privilege to be part of these moments, and I realized that I want nothing more than to care for people in my community from birth to death for the rest of my career. My experiences as a TRUST scholar are not unique to me, and I have seen how these formative patient encounters have shaped the career trajectories of my peers.
Many TRUST scholars like me grew up traveling significant distances to receive necessary care. All of us professionally have seen poor health outcomes stemming from inadequate health care access. In addition to our lived experiences, many current students, alongside our non-TRUST peers, conducted research at 22 rural Idaho clinical sites, which found that service access was the most frequently perceived barrier to providing care.
Simply put, Idaho needs more doctors. We support the formation of a committee of experts through the Idaho State Board of Education who can provide the Legislature with guidance on improving medical education in Idaho. We know a plan with rural Idahoans' best interests at heart will always include initiatives like TRUST through the WWAMI program.
House Bill 386 will take 10 seats away from WWAMI, with the potential to cut more annually until the program is obsolete. If Idaho reduces seats or cuts ties altogether with the WWAMI program, causing future students to miss out on experiences like TRUST, it will be a huge loss for all rural communities in the state.
It has been alleged that WWAMI does not embody Idaho values, but that could not be further from the truth. TRUST has become a pipeline where hardworking students from rural and underserved backgrounds can receive outstanding training, preparing them to serve the communities they know and love.
Caring for one's neighbor is intrinsically Idahoan and something the state should be proud to support. As current and former TRUST scholars and rural medicine trainees, we are the future of rural health care in Idaho and ask our legislators to work together with eth State Board of Education to develop a physician workforce that will serve Idahoans in the areas where we are needed the most.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
Here are the small things that are causing your anxiety to skyrocket — and your health to worsen
Simply spotting a nemesis, loud chewing and heavy breathing are some of the smallest things that will push Americans over the edge, according to new research. A survey asked 2,000 adults about their lowest common denominator of stress and revealed that the smallest sounds or acts are enough to send their anxiety skyrocketing. Lagging WiFi (40%) and an unexpected phone call (35%) also ranked high on the list. 6 A survey asked 2,000 adults about their lowest common denominator of stress and revealed that the smallest acts are enough to send their anxiety skyrocketing. Getty Images/iStockphoto Americans outlined some of the weirdest causes of stress: 'the texture of my socks,' 'aluminum cans,' 'not washing my hair for two days' and 'the beeping sound on TV to hide swearing' were among the most unique. To pile on, just thinking about how expensive everything has gotten (47%), running late when stuck in traffic (40%) and simple miscommunications (39%) are common stressful situations. Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of CBDfx, results also revealed what Americans do when they need to mellow out. Many turn to music (58%), deep breathing and meditation (34%) or pet cuddles (32%). 6 Just thinking about how expensive everything has gotten (47%), running late when stuck in traffic (40%) and simple miscommunications (39%) are common stressful situations. SWNS In fact, Americans would rather hear their favorite artist or band over their partner (46% vs 34%) when they need to de-stress. The average American has stuck to their unwinding method for over a decade, which may be because 84% find these approaches effective. The survey, which polled respondents who have all tried CBD or THC before, also found that 20% take CBD gummies and 30% use THC products on a daily basis in order to combat their stress. And it's working: Users find that their stress levels are decreased by an average of 54% after taking a CBD gummy, while THC users find they drop by more than two-thirds (68%). 6 The average American has stuck to their unwinding method for over a decade, which may be because 84% find these approaches effective. SWNS Nearly three in five (58%) respondents believe that there's less stigma surrounding CBD and THC products today, compared to 10 years ago. But compared to just five years ago, two-thirds (67%) find themselves getting stressed easier. This may be why another two-thirds (67%) agree that Americans would be less stressed out if they all indulged in some CBD or THC. 6 The survey found that 20% take CBD gummies and 30% use THC products on a daily basis in order to combat their stress. SWNS 'One of the benefits of CBD's interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system is a calming effect that works great for dialing down stress,' said Jameson Rodgers, CBDfx Co-Founder. 'THC can have similar positive effects—enhanced by the compound's natural mood elevation benefits—making it another great choice for stress relief.' Seventy-three percent of Americans say that stress has an impact on their quality of life and an even larger number (77%) said it has an impact on their quality of sleep. In fact, only 20% of Americans admit they don't look at their phone past a certain time each night and even fewer (11%) avoid looking at it before a certain time in the morning. 6 Nearly three in five (58%) respondents believe that there's less stigma surrounding CBD and THC products today, compared to 10 years ago. SWNS To combat this, the average respondent takes CBD gummies an average of three nights a week, while 16% say it's a nightly occurrence. They also average using THC products four nights each week, with 29% doing so nightly. 'Over time, lack of sleep can have a negative effect on many areas of a person's overall health, including stress. When you're tired, stress can be more difficult to manage and, potentially, can do more long-term damage,' said Rodgers. 'CBD sleep products can be an effective natural sleep aid. Those same calming effects that make CBD great for stress relief also make it an effective base ingredient for sleep aids, along with compounds like CBN (cannabinol), melatonin, chamomile, and other natural ingredients. THC works well with those same natural sleep ingredients, helping to elevate one's mood and help them relax before bedtime.' 6 Seventy-three percent of Americans say that stress has an impact on their quality of life and an even larger number (77%) said it has an impact on their quality of sleep. SWNS TOP 10 SMALLEST THINGS/SOUNDS THAT CAUSE AMERICANS STRESS When I see someone that I don't want to talk to – 46% A knock on the front door when I'm not prepared for guests – 44% People talking to me when I want silence – 43% When my Wi-Fi is lagging or cuts out – 40% Listening to someone chewing loudly – 40% Phone calls when I'm not expecting one – 34% Someone near me heavy breathing – 25% My alarm clock/alarm – 21% Text message alerts – 16% My phone/notifications going off during a meeting – 15% Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who've ever tried CBD or THC; the survey was commissioned by CBDfx and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 30 and May 8, 2025.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Appendix Cancer Has Quadrupled in Millennials
Credit - Science Photo Library—Getty Images Cancer is generally a disease of old age. But researchers are increasingly finding that certain types—including colon, breast, stomach, and pancreatic cancers—are hitting people younger than 50 far more commonly than they used to. In a new report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers at Vanderbilt University focus on a relatively rare cancer—appendiceal cancer, which occurs in the appendix—and found that its rates are also rising, especially among millennials. Andreana Holowatyji, assistant professor of hematology and oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and her colleagues analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program, a cancer registry that includes patients from 1975 to 2019. The scope of the dataset allowed them to look for generational differences in cancer rates. They specifically tracked appendix cancer, which for many years was misclassified as colorectal cancer since the appendix sits at the start of the large intestine. Recent studies have shown an increase in colorectal cancers among those under 50, and Holowatyji wanted to learn if the same trend was occurring for appendix cancer. 'We don't know what the risk factors are for appendix cancer, and seeing whether there are generational effects could help us to continue to put the pieces together of this complex puzzle,' she says. Read More: The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults Are Getting Cancer In their analysis, which involved more than 4,800 people diagnosed with appendix cancer, rates of the cancer tripled among those born in 1980—and quadrupled among those born in 1985—compared to people born in 1945. Rates increased in every birth cohort after 1945. In that time, rates of appendectomies remained about the same, which the researchers say largely rules out the possibility that more cases were detected from appendectomies performed. It's likely not a single factor but the interaction of several that contributes to an increased cancer risk in this age group, such as rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome as well as environmental exposures, Holowatyji says. 'The challenging thing now is to disentangle not only what these exposures are, but what molecular changes these exposures cause, and what the consequences of those changes are on our cells that may end up increasing the risk of carcinogenesis,' she says. Much more data is needed to better understand appendiceal cancer, and that starts with greater awareness and better diagnosis. Because it's rarer than colorectal cancer, Holowatyji says health care professionals and the public should be more attuned to potential symptoms and not ignore or dismiss them. These can include general complaints like bloating, changes in bowel movements, and loss of appetite. If they persist, people should see their doctor. Half of appendix cancers are diagnosed after it has already spread, so being more vigilant and intervening early could lead to better outcomes. 'While rare, appendix cancer is rising,' she says. 'Individuals know their bodies best, and if they experience any changes or symptoms, those aren't things they should overlook." Contact us at letters@
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Arizona lawmakers are creating a dangerous double standard with military tobacco exemption
Photo by Douglas Sacha | Getty Images Arizona's legislature is poised to pass a bill that could endanger the very individuals we seek to honor, and ironically, those who keep us safe. Senate Bill 1247 aims to raise the legal age for purchasing and possessing tobacco products from 18 to 21, aligning state law with federal regulations. However, a carve-out in the bill introduces a troubling exception: Active-duty military personnel, including members of the National Guard and reserves, would still be permitted to buy and use tobacco products at 18. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Supporters of this carve-out argue that, if young adults are old enough to fight and die for their country, they should be allowed to make their own choices about tobacco use. While this point of view may appear respectful, it inadvertently creates a two-tiered system of health protection, suggesting that the health of our young service members is less valuable than that of other Arizona citizens. By allowing young military personnel to access tobacco products, we are not honoring their service but rather exposing them to substances that could lead to lifelong addiction and serious health issues. This exception undermines the very purpose of SB1247, which is to conform the state minimum legal age (18) to buy or possess a tobacco product to the federal minimum legal age (21). Furthermore, this policy sends a conflicting message. While we restrict tobacco use among Arizona citizens to promote public health, we permit it among our troops, suggesting their well-being is a secondary concern. This is not only illogical but also deeply disrespectful to those who serve. The dangers of tobacco use for young people are well-documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first tried smoking by age 18. The National Cancer Institute states that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, as smoking causes cancers of all the following: lung, esophagus, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. As a personal injury attorney, I've seen firsthand the devastating effects of tobacco-related illnesses. Our laws must reflect a commitment to the health and safety of all citizens, especially those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation. Let's truly honor our service members by ensuring they receive the same health protections as everyone else. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
