Demographic Information
Fitness/recreation areas available in the region:
There are many different outdoor year-around recreation activities including walking trails, hiking, biking, kayaking, snow skiing, etc. The area also has large indoor gyms, soccer and sport courts, indoor/outdoor pool, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, rock wall climbing, etc.
Housing:
It is recommended that housing be obtained in the Tumwater/Olympia area.
Housing can be difficult to find in the area so start looking for housing early. There are several, relatively new, apartment complexes in the area. Check on-line and use social media contacts.
Length of time region has been training with PNWU students:
Since the first PNWU graduating class of 2012 (this site was established in 2011)
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.
4th year electives that have been successful in this region depending on availability:
- Addiction Medicine
- Anesthesia
- Infectious Disease
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopedics
- Palliative Care
- Radiology
- Urogynecology
- Wound Care
Rotations that may provide inpatient experience:
- Behavioral Health
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Women’s Health
Rotation challenges in the region based on availability?
Varies
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?
There are several schools that have student rotations in the South Puget Sound area. PNWU students may be placed on a team with a student from a different school and are most likely to work with students from other schools in family medicine, internal medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. On other rotations you will 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 in Chehalis.
- Providence St. Peter Family Medicine Residency Program in Olympia.
- Summit Pacific Rural Family Medicine in Elma.
Opportunities to practice OMM:
Many preceptors are receptive to students performing OMM under their supervision.
Out-of-Region Expectations:
It is expected that a student may be required to rotate outside of their region for any unavailable core rotations.
Didactics Information
Clinical Didactics are held every Wednesday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. Students will join the online PNWU Clinical Didactics for a professionalism hour, followed by a medical topic hour pertaining to their current rotation.
Regional didactics are held from 1 pm to 2 pm every Wednesday afternoon.
Other learning opportunities in addition to PNWU didactics include:
Didactics available while on rotation with the Family Medicine Residency programs; medical staff meetings upon invitation; volunteer opportunities are available through multiple organizations.
Core (3rd year) rotations available within driving distance (50 miles) of the didactics site?
Some core rotations within the region are more than 50 miles from the didactics site.
Additional Information
Region strengths:
- Rural and underserved population
- Many opportunities for procedures
- Enthusiasm of preceptors and hospital administration
- Active involvement by Assistant Dean and Regional Site Administrator
- Great people and area
Why might a student choose this region over another?
- Hospital and physician culture that emphasizes student involvement
- Rural, under-served practice environment that is close to Olympia, Seattle, and Portland
- We have enthusiastic preceptors who love to teach
Student/Resident Information: (as of AY 22-23)
Number of OMS3 Students Rotating in Region: 13
Number of OMS4 Students Rotating in Region: 11
Alumni in Residency Programs (Washington totals): 275
Alumni practicing in the regions (Washington totals): 247
% of PNWU-COM matriculations from regions (Washington totals): 57.6%
Additional information:
- 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:
- Arbor Health in Morton
- Harbor Regional Health in Aberdeen
- Mason General in Shelton
- MultiCare Capital Medical Center in Olympia
- Providence Centralia Hospital in Centralia
- Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia
- Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma
- Willapa Harbor in South Bend
Regional Staff
Assistant Dean:
Brenda Polite, MD
bpolite@pnwu.edu
360-269-1886
Regional Site Administrator:
Katie Conver
kconver@pnwu.edu
406-690-8777
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
Mary Baker
Administrative Specialist
509-249-7991
mbaker@pnwu.edu