Demographic Information
Fitness/recreation areas available in the region:
The area offers a diverse range of year-around outdoor adventures, from scenic walking trails and exhilarating hikes to biking, kayaking, and even snow skiing in the winter months. For those who prefer indoor activities, you’ll find expansive gyms, soccer and sports courts, rock climbing walls, and both indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a leisurely way to stay active, there’s something for everyone!
Housing:
It is recommended to secure housing in the Tumwater area, as it offers the most centralized location for more convenient travel to all the various sites throughout the region.
Housing in the region can be challenging to find, so it’s best to start your search early. Connecting with current OMS3 and OMS4 students in the area can be a great way to gather insights and find potential housing opportunities.
Do your research! It is your responsibility to attend rotations wherever you are scheduled. If you choose to live in a location that is not centrally located, you will still be expected to arrive on time and be fully prepared, regardless of the commute.
Length of time region has been training with PNWU students:
Since the establishment of this site in 2011, the region has been training PNWU students, starting with the first graduation class of 2012.
Preceptor/Rotation Information
For core rotations that occur more than 50 miles from where didactics are held students will be eligible for a housing allowance and/or mileage stipend provided by PNWU.
Didactics Address: 914 S. Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
4th year electives that have been successful in this region depending on availability:
- Addiction Medicine
- Anesthesia
- Infectious Disease
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Palliative Care
- Radiology
- Urogynecology/Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Wound Care
Rotations that may provide inpatient experience:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Women’s Health
Rotation challenges in the region based on availability?
Rotation availability in this region may be limited due to high demand, clinical site capacity, and preceptor availability. Students are encouraged to plan ahead and remain flexible with their rotation schedules.
Number of preceptors credentialed with PNWU to teach CORE rotations: 24
D.O. preceptors in the region (approx.): 12
M.D. preceptors in the region (approx.): 12
Is there integration of other schools with PNWU students?
Several medical schools place students in rotations throughout the South Puget Sound area. As a PNWU student, you may be part of a team with a student from other institutions, particularly in family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. For other rotations, you will likely be the only student.
Residencies available in the region that PNWU students are involved in (didactics, rotations, etc.):
There are three residency programs in the region.
- Chehalis Family Medicine Rural Track Residency Program – Chehalis, WA
- Providence St. Peter Family Medicine Residency Program – Olympia, WA
- Summit Pacific Rural Family Medicine – Elma, WA
Opportunities to practice OMM:
Many preceptors’ welcome students performing OMM under their supervision. It you are interested in this opportunity during your rotation, please discuss it with your preceptor beforehand.
Out-of-Region Expectations:
Students are expected to complete core rotations outside their region for any unavailable locally. Your regional site administrator will coordinate all core rotations within the region and, if necessary, arrange placements outside the region. Please refer to the student handbook for policies and procedures regarding out-of-region core rotations.
Didactics Information
Region-Led Didactics: As part of the Clinical Didactics (CLIN 704) course, region-led sessions take place every Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, as scheduled by the regional leadership. These sessions cover various topics and activities.
Centralized Didactics: Held every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm PT, students will participate in PNWU Centralized Didactics online as part of the Clinical Didactics (CLIN 704) course.
Other learning opportunities in addition to PNWU didactics include:
Didactic sessions are available during rotations with the Family Medicine Residency programs. Additionally, medical staff meetings may be attended upon invitation, and volunteer opportunities are offered through various organizations.
Rotations available within driving distance (50 miles) of the didactics site?
Some core rotations within the region are located more than 50 miles from the didactics site. Students should remain flexible and plan accordingly
Additional Information
Region strengths:
- Serve Where It Matters – Gain hands-on experience working with rural and underserved populations.
- Abundant Procedural Opportunities – Enhance your skills with diverse hands-on learning experiences.
- Supportive & Passionate Mentors – Learn from enthusiastic preceptors and a dedicated hospital administration.
- A Welcoming Community – Enjoy working in a great area with amazing people.
Why Choose This Region?
- Experience a hospital and physician culture that actively involves students in patient care.
- Train in a rural, underserved setting while staying close to Olympia, Seattle, and Portland.
- Learn from enthusiastic preceptors who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring.
Student/Resident Information: (as of AY 25-26)
Number of OMS3 Students Rotating in Region: 12
Number of OMS4 Students Rotating in Region: 14
Alumni in Residency Programs (Washington totals): 367
Alumni practicing in the regions (Washington totals): 309
% of PNWU-COM matriculations from regions (Washington totals): 47.6%
Important Notes:
- We value flexible, self-motivated, independent learners interested in rural underserved practice
- Convenient location near the beaches and close enough to amenities of Seattle and Portland in a collegial rural atmosphere
Hospitals for rotations (based on availability):
- Arbor Health – Morton, WA
- Harbor Regional Health – Aberdeen, WA
- Mason General – Shelton, WA
- MultiCare Capital Medical Center – Olympia, WA
- Providence Centralia Hospital – Centralia, WA
- Providence St. Peter Hospital – Olympia, WA
- Summit Pacific Medical Center – Elma, WA
- Willapa Harbor – South Bend, WA
Regional Site Leadership
Assistant Dean:
Brenda Polite, MD, FAAFP
bpolite@pnwu.edu
360.269.1886
Regional Site Administrator:
Tressa Rodriguez
trodriguez@pnwu.edu
971.227.2278
Address used for Site Selection: 914 S. Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
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Contact Information
Iron Horse Lodge
111 University Parkway
Yakima, WA 98901
Lynn DeVore
Administrative Specialist
509.249.7752
ldevore@pnwu.edu