University of Washington

Entering students at the University of Washington School of Medicine are divided into six colleges: Rainier, Wind River, Denali, Big Ski, Snake River, and Columbia River, all named after natural wonders. Each college has its own mentors who counsel students throughout their four years in medical school. Students can earn an M.D. or a Ph.D., and about 10 students a year can earn both through the Medical Scientist Training Program.

Through the WWMAI program, a partnership between the School of Medicine and nearby states, students complete several six-week clerkships in Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska, and Idaho. Students can also demonstrate expertise in the region and present research work at the Western Student Medical Research Forum. UW medical students can get involved in service-learning projects like CHAP, the Community Health Advancement Program, and SPARX, Student Providers Aspiring to Rural and Underserved Experience. There are also about 50 student organizations to check out, from the MD Minstrels to the Christian Medical & Dental Association.

The UW Medicine system also includes the highly ranked University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, UW Neighborhood Clinics, and Airlift Northwest, an in-air medical services program. Graduate students receive priority for university-owned apartments, and medical students can also look to plenty of off-campus housing options throughout Seattle.