Hear from an Idaho medical student

BOISE -- It is a debate that has sparked much discussion over the last few days -- Idaho’s medical education program and how to keep doctors who train in Idaho – in Idaho.

Gov. Butch Otter spoke to state legislators earlier this week about the effectiveness of the four-year program known as WWAMI, which allows students from Idaho and four neighboring states to attend medical school at the University of Washington.

Medical students and the assistant dean of WWAMI are weighing in.

The WWAMI contract came into existence 36 years ago, and since then the governor says things have changed.

But those with WWAMI says the program is working, but it needs to expand in order to get more doctors in the state of Idaho.

"University of Washington was my first pick because they've been number one in the nation for 15 years in primary care which is what I’m interested in,” said Lance Hansen.

Lance Hansen is a fourth year medical student finishing up his rotations in the WWAMI program.  He's from Blackfoot and wants to stay and practice medicine in Idaho.

Hansen says the rate of keeping doctors who graduate from the program is well above the national average.

"When you take into account Montana, Alaska and Wyoming students who are also here to practice in Idaho, that boosts our retention way up to 70 percent when you include those WWAMI state who also do rotations in Idaho," said Hansen.

But Otter is worried that's not enough.  The governor's spokesman points to numbers from the American medical Association which says 40 percent of Idaho physicians are 55 or older - making it the sixth oldest group of doctors in the nation.

Otter says we need more incentives such as student loan breaks to keep Idaho doctors in the state.

But assistant dean of WWAMI Suzanne Allen says the key lies in getting more state money to expand WWAMI, allowing 40 students in per year instead of the standard 20.

"When he says he's disappointed we're not creating enough positions, we need help expanding the current programs in order to meet that need," said Allen.

Hansen says expanding WWAMI would make it even more attractive to students trying to get in.

"The most effective use of our money would be to expand residency positions because studies show most residents end up practicing where they did residency," said Hansen.

We received statements from both University of Idaho and Boise State University on this subject.  Both schools are in favor of expanding the WWAMI program.

Meanwhile, Idaho State University President Arthur Vailas favors creating a medical school in Pocatello because he believes “the school is ready to offer an M.D. degree.”