BOISE (Feb. 21, 2025) – The Idaho Democratic Legislative Caucus has issued the following statement in support of the University of Idaho’s partnership with WWAMI Medical Education to train more physicians in-state and encourage them to practice here. The caucus opposes House Bill 176.
“We remain firmly in support of the WWAMI program, which has been training Idaho’s doctors for more than 50 years in partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine—the #1 ranked primary care medical school in the country. At a time when Idaho ranks last in the nation’s doctor shortage, severing ties with WWAMI through House Bill 176 would be a disaster for our healthcare system and would certainly discourage more physicians from practicing medicine here.
“WWAMI is more than just a public medical school—it’s a fiscally conservative way to create a pipeline to keep doctors in Idaho. More than half of WWAMI graduates stay to practice in our state, compared to a national average of just 39%. Students get top-tier training through a curriculum co-developed by U of I and UW, hands-on experience in Idaho communities from St. Maries to Rexburg to Montpelier, and unique opportunities like wilderness medicine electives.
“If we want to fix Idaho’s doctor shortage, we should be strengthening what works, not tearing it down. We urge our colleagues to support WWAMI and stand with the healthcare professionals who care for our communities.”
More than 250 people registered testimony in opposition to HB176 in committee, with only four in support of the bill.