A Medical School for the Region

The University of Washington School of Medicine is a regional resource for Washington state, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho - the WWAMI states.

Founded in 1946, the UW medical school is recognized for its excellence in training primary-care physicians and for advancing medical knowlege through scientific research. It's nationally known for its commitment to community service through the volunteer activities of its students, staff, faculty and alumni.

The full-time physician faculty members of the UW medical school staff UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, as well as the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, all in Seattle. UW medical faculty members also staff the UW Medicine Neighborhood Clinics in King County, Wash. The physician faculty provides expert consultation to practicing physicians throughout the region.

Research scientists at the UW medical school explore every aspect of health and disease, from the molecular mechanisms of gene action to population studies of global illnesses.  Their work has contributed to improved understanding of the cause of diseases and to better treatments and prevention of many disorders.

Graduates of the UW medical school - physicians, scientists, allied health personnel, or scholars in medical history and ethics - go on to serve in a wide variety of capacities.  Many M.D. and physician assistant alumni practice in areas of need, such as rural towns, inner cities, or developing nations.

The distinguishing characteristic of the UW medical school is interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientists, educators, and clinicians are dedicated to helping each other reach the common goals of improving peoples health and alleviating suffering from disease.