Wyoming WWAMI Physicians
2023
We asked all the WWAMI graduates practicing in Wyoming...
WHY WWAMI? WWAMI is Wyoming’s Medical School! The University of Wyoming participates in the WWAMI Medical Education Program, which is affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) in Seattle, Washington. WWAMI is an acronym for the five states that participate in this program: Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. The UWSOM curriculum, content and testing is the same at all WWAMI sites. Students who complete this four-year medical education program receive their doctor of medicine degree (M.D.) from the UWSOM. The WWAMI program reserves twenty seats each year for qualified Wyoming residents. Students accepted to the program spend eighteen months on the University of Wyoming campus, followed by taking their first board exam. The third and fourth years are spent at selected clinical sites throughout the WWAMI region.
ICON KEY: Practicing in Wyoming Since (Year) Specialty Current Site of Practice Current WY City
CONTENTS
COUNTIES
View our interactive placement map! uwyo.edu/wwami/interactivemap
Information accurate as of September 2023
2
WWAMI Timeline
4
Albany
7
Campbell
8
Converse
9
Fremont
10
Goshen
11
Hot Springs
12
Johnson
13
Laramie
17
Lincoln
18
Natrona
22
Park
26
Sheridan
30
Sweetwater
31
Teton
32
Uinta
33
In Memoriam
34
Index
CELEBRATING
A SUCCESSFUL LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE
Welcome to the Wyoming WWAMI Alumni Viewbook, a testament to the success and impact of the Wyoming WWAMI medical education program. In 1997, the Wyoming legislature had the vision and foresight to make a significant investment in medical education, heavily subsidizing the training of medical students at the University of Wyoming in partnership with the University of Washington. Within these pages, you will find information on over 100 physicians who were trained as part of this initiative and are now practicing in Wyoming. Their dedication to the healing arts embodies our vision for the Wyoming WWAMI program and serves as inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals. By recognizing and supporting the local training of Wyoming students, the legislature has made meaningful improvements in the healthcare infrastructure of our state. As you explore the pages of this viewbook, we invite you to join us in celebrating our fantastic alumni.
Brant Schumaker & Rob Monger
WWAMI THROUGH TIME 1997
1999
2004
2008
– Wyoming joins the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM) cooperative medical education program. Alaska, Montana, and Idaho are the other partnering states thus creating the acronym – WWAMI.
The first WWAMI Rural Integrated Training Experience (WRITE) site is established in Thermopolis with Howard Wilson, MD.
The WY Legislature enacted legislation to gradually expand the size of the WWAMI program.
– 16 medical students in the first year WWAMI class.
– The first class of Wyoming students begin their medical education. The 10 students spent Year 1 in Laramie, Year 2 in Seattle, and Years 3 & 4 in clerkships throughout the 5-state region. – James Blackman, MD serves as the first Wyoming Clinical Dean. – Sylvia Moore, PhD, RD is hired as the first Wyoming Foundations Dean.
2
– Matt McEchron, PhD is selected as the new Foundations Dean.
2005 2001
12 medical students in the first year WWAMI class.
Rich Hillman, MD becomes the new Wyoming Clinical Dean.
2006 14 medical students in the first year WWAMI class.
2015
2018
2019
– Larry Kirven, MD becomes the new Clinical Dean.
– UWSOM launches a new unified integrated medical curriculum.
– Students now spend 18 months in Laramie as part of the new medical curriculum.
WWAMI hosts the first annual Research Symposium with Ivinson Memorial Hospital.
– Lander becomes a TRUST site.
– Thermopolis becomes a TRUST site.
– Tim Robinson, PhD is selected as the new Foundations Dean.
2011 The WY Legislature appropriates funding to expand the entering class to 20 medical students.
2022
2013
2014 Two Wyoming students are selected for the Targeted Rural Underserved Track (TRUST) in Douglas & Powell.
– WWAMI relocates and expands the Anatomy Lab. – A second classroom is constructed in the former Anatomy Lab. – A portion of the 2nd floor in Health Sciences is remodeled for WWAMI offices and study space.
2020 Rob Monger, MD is selected as the new Assistant Clinical Dean.
Wyoming WWAMI celebrates 25 years with UWSOM
2021 Brant Schumaker, DVM, PhD is chosen as the new Foundations Dean.
3
Dr. BRYAN DUGAS 2021 - Present Anesthesiology Ivinson Memorial Hospital Laramie Bryan volunteers at St. Paul’s Newman Center Church and fosters rescue dogs. He is a lifelong fan of University of Wyoming athletics and enjoys bird hunting, international traveling, cooking/baking, and home renovations. Bryan is married to Megan Degenfelder, with two beloved rescue dogs, Loretta and Patsy.
Dr. MATT FOURNIER 2020 - Present Orthopedics Premier Bone & Joint Centers Laramie
Dr. ANDREA HABEL 2021 - Present Family Medicine Ivinson Medical Group Laramie
Dr. KETURA TALBOT Dr. PAUL JOHNSON 2008 - Present Otolaryngology Ivinson Medical Group Laramie
2014 - Present Family Medicine Ivinson Medical Group Laramie
Dr. GLEN CLINTON 2023 - Present Emergency Medicine Aligned Providers Laramie
4
Dr. KIM Nicholas WESTBROOK 2014 - Present OB/GYN Ivinson Medical Group Laramie
Kim has been happy to be back in Laramie so she can be a preceptor for the WWAMI program. Since she has three very active children, Kim is usually driving them around whenever she is not at work. Kim and her family enjoy music, sports, and almost everything outdoors.
Dr. GREGORY WALLACE 2013 - Present Anesthesiology Premier Bone & Joint Centers Laramie
Dr. MARK McKENNA 2011 - Present Orthopedics Premier Bone & Joint Centers Laramie
Greg is married with three children and is a Deacon at Laramie Church of Christ. He is a member of ASA and IARS. Greg’s hobbies include University of Wyoming Athletics, traveling with family, and golf.
5
The WWAMI program provides an invaluable opportunity to be educated at one of the nation’s leading medical schools while experiencing the practice of medicine across diverse communities and states. ~Dr. Bryan Dugas
WWAMI was the ideal program for me as I always wanted to come back to Wyoming. ~Dr. Kim Westbrook
The University of Washington School of Medicine is a highly-rated medical institution, and it was by far the most economical option for me to train through the State of Wyoming’s generosity. It also allowed me to stay in Wyoming for my first year of school which was an added benefit unique to the program. ~ Dr. Gregory Wallace
6
Dr. KAYLA Morrison WHITSON 2022 - Present Emergency Medicine Campbell County Health Gillette
Dr. TYLER BALDWIN 2023 - Present Radiology Gillette Medical Imaging, PC Gillette
Dr. TRICIA JENSEN 2021 - Present Family Medicine Campbell County Health Main Clinic Gillette
Dr. SANDRA Smylie GEBHART 2018 - Present Orthopaedics Thunder Basin Orthopaedics Sports Medicine Gillette
Dr. STEVEN CLEMENTS 2016 - Present Internal Medicine Campbell County Memorial Hospital Gillette
Dr. BRITTNEY GOEKEN 2023 - Present Pediatrics Campbell County Memorial Hospital Gillette
Dr. JACOB RINKER 2016 - Present General Surgery Wyoming Medical Associates Gillette
Dr. DOUG WATT 2018 - Present Diagnostic Radiology Campbell County Health Gillette
7
Dr. DEEANNE Johnson ENGLE 2007 - Present Family Medicine Memorial Hospital of Converse County Douglas
8
“The WWAMI program offers exceptional comprehensive medical education in collaboration with the University of Washington, one of the top medical education institutions in the country, allowing for learning opportunities for both students and faculty that make the WWAMI program a huge success for the state of Wyoming.” ~Dr. Clint McMahill
Dr. CLINT McMAHILL
Dr. GENTIAN SCHEER
2013 - Present Internal Medicine Lander Medical Clinic Lander
2004 - Present Internal Medicine SageWest Health Care Lander
When not working as a primary care physician, Clint is helping his wife Barbara raise their two children Evan and Izzy. They enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping in the summer and various types of skiing / sledding in the winter. Clint is a member of Wyoming Medical Society as well as American College of Physicians. He has served as medicine chair as well as chair of quality committee at the Lander Hospital. Clint is also currently the medical director of the skilled nursing program at Wyoming Life Resource Center.
Dr. CORY LAMBLIN 2012 - Present Orthopaedics Fremont Orthopaedics Lander Cory is an active member of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Physician Pool. He intermittently travels with the athletes to provide medical support as they represent our country at various competitions. His prior work with the Washington Husky athletes and New Mexico Highlands University football team has been a personal highlight of his sports medicine career. Cory continues to provide competent and compassionate care to athletes from all sporting backgrounds. He is fellowship trained in orthopedic sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery from Taos Orthopaedic Institute.
Dr. KYMBERLY May ROSS 2022 - Present Emergency Medicine SageWest Health Care Lander
Dr. KACIE Pauli GALLO 2009 - Present Family Medicine Lander Medical Clinic Lander
Dr. EMILY Francis HORNE 2009 - Present Anesthesiology SageWest Health Care Lander
9
Dr. ROSS ORPET 2021 - Present Emergency Medicine Banner Health Torrington
10
Dr. MEGAN OLSON 2020 - Present Family Medicine Hot Springs Health Thermopolis
WWAMI enormously benefits the state of Wyoming. The paucity of primary care, especially in rural Wyoming, imposes substantial difficulties on both patients and healthcare systems. Wyoming intelligently supports a program to address this problem in WWAMI, which recruits and nurtures Wyoming residents to train in this indispensable discipline and incentivizes remaining in the state to serve their neighbors. An already strained system could easily be envisioned as dire without this program. ~Dr. Mattson Mathey
Dr. MATTSON MATHEY 2018 - Present Family Medicine Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital and Red Rock Family Practice Thermopolis
Mattson says “Practicing full spectrum family medicine in my home state serves as living my dream.” His group offers a true family medicine model where the core of physicians cover the town’s clinic and hospital including inpatient, emergency room, and obstetrics. Additionally, Mattson offers MAT/substance abuse treatment. Mattson and his colleagues are proud to serve as the first FM Rural Training Track in the state, and as a TRUST site hosting Wyoming WWAMI students. Mattson and his wife love their “small slice of Wyoming paradise” they call home, and enjoy all four seasons by mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, and cross country skiing all close to their property.
11
JOHNSON Dr. LISA Hill MULLEN 2014 - Present Family Medicine Johnson County Healthcare Center Buffalo
Lisa is a board certified family medicine physician and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She is a board member for the Johnson County Senior Center and Child Protective Team of Johnson County. Her hobbies include: baking, reading, traveling, and spending time with family. Lisa and her husband have been married 15 years and are raising two daughters in Buffalo.
Dr. ALYSE Springer WILLIAMS 2017 - Present Family Medicine Johnson County Healthcare Center Buffalo
12
Dr. BLAINE RUBY 2007 - Present General Surgery Johnson County Healthcare Center Buffalo
The WWAMI program is vital to the state of Wyoming to bring physicians back to practice in rural communities, particularly with primary care, where there are increasing shortages of physicians. ~Dr. Lisa Hill Mullen
I can see first hand as a hospitalist in Cheyenne how high turnover of physicians negatively affects the community. Having physicians who have roots in the community and are willing to come back and practice in Wyoming is essential! ~ Dr. Danielle Borin
I chose WWAMI for the opportunity to receive a world-class medical education at the University of Washington, combined with patient care experience in the community where I grew up. ~Dr. Krystal Massey
[I chose WWAMI for the] strong education provided by collaboration with University of Washington faculty and access to world-class clinical research opportunity in Seattle and beyond. Being able to train across the WWAMI region is invaluable to gaining perspective on different styles of medical practice and gives unique insight on patient care while maintaining connection to a large high quality academic medical center. It’s the best of both worlds. ~Dr. Sarah Gregory
13
Dr. KRYSTAL Jones MASSEY
2023 - Present Pediatric Psychiatry Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Cheyenne
2020 - Present Dermatology Cheyenne Skin Clinc Cheyenne Krystal, a native Wyomingite, is a double boardcertified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist, and the only fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist practicing in the state of Wyoming. She completed a residency in dermatology at The University of Texas at Austin and a fellowship in pediatric dermatology at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she later joined the faculty as an Attending Physician and Instructor of Dermatology. Krystal and her husband, Dr. Paul Massey, joined the Cheyenne Skin Clinic in 2020.
Dr. MELISSA DOZIER 2021 - Present OB/GYN Cheyenne Women’s Clinic Cheyenne
Dr. MEGAN WOODARD 2016 - Present Pediatrics Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
14
Dr. BRIAN HARDY 2016 - Present Anesthesiology Anesthesia Consultants Cheyenne
Dr. JUSTIN ROMANO
Dr. DEREK NEVINS 2012 - Present Family Medicine Cheyenne VA Cheyenne
Dr. CLAIRE Korpela ENRIQUEZ 2023 - Present Internal Medicine Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
Dr. JIE CHEN 2015 - Present Psychiatry Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
Dr. COULTER NEVES 2022 - Present Anesthesiology Anesthesia Consultants Cheyenne
Dr. LANDON BLUEMEL 2019 - Present Anesthesiology Anesthesia Consultants Cheyenne
Dr. AARON FREEMAN 2020 - Present Family Medicine Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
Dr. JAMES WATERS 2014 - Present Emergency Medicine Aligned Providers Cheyenne
Dr. TRACIE CALLER 2014 - Present Neurology Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
Dr. JODY COUSINS 2022 - Present Family Medicine UW Cheyenne Family Medicine Residency Program Cheyenne
WWAMI is an incredible educational opportunity for Wyoming residents. It was invaluable to spend time in rural communities and large academic, city hospitals as a medical student. ~Dr. Hope Richards
Dr. DANIELLE BORIN 2021 - Present Pediatrics Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne Danielle recently returned to Cheyenne as a pediatric hospitalist and loves working with the community she grew up in. One of Danielle’s highlights is being able to get involved in clinical teaching with the medical students at Wyoming WWAMI. She believes the medical students are extraordinary and is excited to continue to work with the program. Danielle is also happy to have time to enjoy time in the mountains and other outdoor activities.
Dr. HOPE Wilson RICHARDS 2020 - Present OB/GYN Cheyenne Women’s Clinic Cheyenne Hope Richards graduated in 2016 from the WWAMI program with Honors and obtained a joint degree, a Masters of Health Administration. She completed residency at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in 2020. She is currently a college mentor for WWAMI. Outside of medicine, Hope enjoys yoga, getting outside, and eating her husband’s cooking. Her young son and two dogs also keep her quite busy!
15
Dr. SARAH GREGORY 2021 - Present OB/GYN Cheyenne Obstetrics & Gynecology Cheyenne Sarah completed her residency at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, NY. She married Matthew Brown in 2021, and together they enjoy camping, traveling, supporting the arts, and exploring new cuisine. Sarah always has at least one Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The current Griff is named Rocket who at 11 still keeps them on their toes. Sarah specializes in infertility, endometriosis, minimally invasive surgery, sexual health, and preventative medicine.
16
Dr. ANDREW ROSE 2011 - Present Pediatrics Cheyenne Women’s Clinic Cheyenne “The chance to be rewarded for returning to our great state and serving the people of Wyoming while also attending the best primary care medical school in the nation was too good of a deal to pass up!”
Dr. LIAM CLARK 2023 - Present Neurology Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne
Dr. KRISTINE Barr VAN KIRK 2012 - Present OB/GYN Healthy Lifestyle Medicine Cheyenne A board certified OB/GYN, Kristy has now transitioned to her true passion of integrative holistic medicine, which involves combining foundational “basics” and cutting edge technology for prevention, lifestyle, and personalized wellness and longevity. Kristy’s husband, Levi, is a UW grad and a pharmacist. Her son, Justin, is studying engineering at UW.
WWAMI offers the best value in a top medical education that someone who wants to return to practice in Wyoming could ever imagine. I benefited from the small classes in Laramie, great instructors, top learning technology/tools, great classmates who are now incredible colleagues and friends, and clinical rotations offering great experience and learning. Wyoming WWAMI offered so much value and support and so many wonderful memories. I was even able to bring my newborn son to my small first year class with me one week after he was born! ~Dr. Kristine Barr Van Kirk
Dr. SAMANTHA Michelena PIEPER 2015 - Present OB/GYN Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne In her free time, Samantha loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and son doing anything together! They love to ski, camp, and play at the lake in the summers.
Dr. CLAYTON BROWN
Dr. SAMUEL LINFORD
2017 - Present OB/GYN Star Valley Health Afton
2013 - Present Orthopedics Star Valley Health Afton
“WWAMI provides a great education, and I knew I wanted to return to Wyoming to practice.” ~Dr. Samuel Linford
17
Dr. ERIC CUBIN 2010 - Present Radiology Casper Medical Imaging Casper
Dr. SHARON Oland KARNES 2004 - Present Family Medicine UW Family Medicine Residency Program Casper
WWAMI brings great doctors back to the state, period. Participants in the WWAMI program get the freedom to move all over the country and the world to train at top medical institutions to then come home and serve Wyoming with elite skills and knowledge without patients having to travel beyond borders. ~Dr. Makenzie Bartsch
Dr. JONNA Graves CUBIN 2008 - Present Emergency Medicine & Internal Medicine Hospitalist Emergency Medical Physicians, PC Casper
DR. MORGAN JOHNSON 2021 - Present Emergency Medicine Emergency Medical Physicians, PC Casper
Dr. HENRY GOTTSCH 2012 - Present Urology Central Wyoming Urological Associates Casper
18
Dr. MAKENZIE BARTSCH 2023 - Present Emergency Medicine Banner Wyoming Medical Center Casper Makenzie has been to 35 countries on 5 continents, summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, climbed to Everest Base Camp and completed a PADI open water diving certification. She looks forward to spending more time in the developing world, especially Vietnam and Malawi, where she had the privilege of learning on rotations through the WWAMI program during med school. Makenzie also completed a fellowship in sports medicine at WVU and earned an MBA from UW.
Dr. TYLER QUEST 2018 - Present Dermatology Casper Dermatology Clinic Casper Tyler has enjoyed practicing in Wyoming and working with his great patients and staff. In his free time, Tyler spends time with his twin children and dogs and loves to take them on trips around the state and beyond.
Dr. JOSEPH MONFRE 2016 - Present Cardiothoracic Surgery Wyoming Cardiac Surgery Casper
Dr. SUSAN SHERIDAN 2007 - Present OB/GYN Casper Obstetrical & Gyn Associates Casper
Dr. ASHLEY Klone ULLRICH 2018 - Present Internal Medicine Banner Wyoming Medical Center Casper
There is no better option for medical training. The instructors, physicians, and opportunities WWAMI creates are second to none. ~Dr. Tyler Quest
Dr. BRIAN SCHLIDT 2023 - Present Psychiatry Private Practice Casper
Dr. BRITTANY MYERS 2022 - Present OB/GYN Women’s Health Associates Casper
19
Dr. KEVIN HELLING 2015 - Present General Surgery Precision Surgical, PC Casper Kevin was born in Laramie and moved to Casper when he was five years old. Following medical school, he completed an internship in general surgery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he met his lovely wife. Together, they moved to Palo Alto, California, where Kevin completed general surgery residency at Stanford, serving his final year as a Chief Resident. While at Stanford, he presented his research on advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques at local, regional, and national meetings. He also won several awards for medical student teaching and laparoscopic surgical skills during his time as a resident. After residency, Kevin completed a fellowship at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery where he was also a Clinical Instructor of Surgery. Kevin currently serves as Chief of Staff for Banner Wyoming Medical Center. He is the immediate Past Chair and founding Co-Chair of the Rural Bariatric Surgery Committee of the ASMBS, the primary professional society of weight loss surgeons. Kevin also represents Wyoming as the Governor-atLarge for the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons.
Communities benefit by having well-trained physicians who have lived in Wyoming and know the state and its people. Physicians benefit by being given the honor of caring for their friends and neighbors. ~Dr. Kevin Helling
20
WWAMI has brought back many doctors to this great state, and they will be here long after their three-year commitment has ended. ~Dr. Megan McKay Grube
Dr. MARCUS BAILEY 2023 - Present Radiology Casper Medical Imaging & Outpatient Radiology Casper
Dr. MEGAN McKay GRUBE 2017 - Present Emergency Medicine Banner Wyoming Medical Center Casper Megan was born in the hospital where she now works. She also met her husband and had her baby in that same hospital. Megan and her husband love Wyoming and the community. They enjoy everything Wyoming has to offer including hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing. Megan volunteers with Unaccompanied Student Initiative, which is a great program that needs to be recognized.
Dr. MATTHEW CRULL 2015 - Present Internal Medicine Banner Wyoming Medical Center Casper
Dr. RYAN BURTON 2009 - Present Anesthesiology Banner Wyoming Medical Center Casper
Dr. ALEXANDER COLGAN 2021 - Present Emergency Medicine Emergency Medical Physicians, PC Casper
21
Dr. ELISE LOWE 2017 - Present Internal Medicine Cody Regional Health Cody
Since completing residency Elise has been working as a hospitalist, during which time she has completed her diploma in Tropical Medicine and is working on her Masters in Public Health. Elise has been involved in healthcare preparedness regionally and serves as the physician advisor on the Big Horn Basin Healthcare Coalition and as the Medical Director for a ski patrol and search and rescue unit. Elise is also a Physician Medical Officer with a Disaster Medical Assistance Team. Working in Wyoming has opened up many opportunities for Elise to be involved in the community, region, and country in terms of improving health care readiness, while still having the opportunity to provide individual patient care.
Dr. VALERIE Cordero LENGFELDER
WWAMI gives Wyoming residents access to a high quality medical education and ultimately wellprepared doctors, with a personal investment in their communities. ~Dr. Elise Lowe
22
2005 - Present Family Medicine Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
Dr. SARAH DURNEY 2011 - Present Family Medicine Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
Dr. JACOB MERRELL 2015 - Present Diagnostic Radiology Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
Dr. DAVID MILLS 2017 - Present Family Medicine Billings Clinic Cody
Dr. SARAH SOWERWINE 2019 - Present Family Medicine One Health Powell
“Returning WWAMI physicians have received an excellent medical school education and bring that excellence back to our state and communities. In addition, having medical student learners in Wyoming brings enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and accountability to our practices, so we can continue to provide up-to-date and quality medical care.” ~Dr. Sarah Sowerwine
Sarah practices outpatient full spectrum family medicine at One Health Powell where she is the Associate Vice President of Medicine/Chief Medical Officer. Sarah is also WWAMI faculty for WRITE-Powell.
Dr. FILIP TURCER 2021 - Present Interventional Radiology Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
Dr. BRITTANY CHRISTENSEN
Dr. ADAM PETERS
2023 - Present Internal Medicine Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
2007 - Present Family Medicine Billings Clinic Cody
Dr. NATHANIEL RIEB
Dr. DEREK WILLE
2010 - Present General Surgery Billings Clinic
2019 - Present Family Medicine Billings Clinic Cody
Dr. SAWLEY WILDE 2022 - Present Surgery Powell Valley Healthcare Powell
23
WWAMI brings physicians in training to our local practices, and those students inspire us to be better. WWAMI also has helped to bring more doctors to our communities. ~Dr. Valerie Cordero Lengfelder
WWAMI Directors Advisory Council member Dr. Paul Johnson
24
WWAMI Assistant Clinical Deans
Current WWAMI Students
25TH
ANNIVERSARY GALA
There are many challenges in recruiting physicians to work in this state. The WWAMI program really helps to overcome those barriers. In my opinion this program prevents the state from being in a severe physician shortage, with the added benefit of those physicians being very well-trained. ~Dr. Lindsay Capron
I know of no other program better than the WWAMI program for students from Wyoming who want to pursue medical training. ~Dr. Shaun Gonda
I chose WWAMI, because I could receive a medical education that would ... encourage my continued involvement with my community by allowing me to pursue my specialty of choice while living and working in the state I love most. ~ Dr. Michael Sanderson
Kristopher Schamber, MD WWAMI graduate and President of the Wyoming Medical Society
Dr. LINDSAY Lozier CAPRON 2018 - Present OB/GYN Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan Lindsay, her spouse, and two children are very happy in Wyoming. They spend their days enjoying the mountains, sunshine, and time with great friends. Lindsay really enjoys practicing in a rural area, however challenging it may be sometimes. She is clinical faculty for WWAMI students in their 3rd year OB/GYN clerkship.
Dr. LUKE GODDARD 2013 - Present Emergency Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Dr. HANNAH Tenney HALL 2013 - Present Psychiatry Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Dr. SHAUN GONDA 2011 - Present Diagnostic Radiology Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan Shaun and his wife Kate have seven children and are happy to be back in Wyoming.
26
Dr. MATTHEW KAPELES 2021 - Present Opthalmology Wyoming Center for Sight Sheridan
Dr. JAMES MCDONALD 2014 - Present Physical Medicine/Rehab Sheridan VA Medical Center Sheridan
Dr. MICHAEL SANDERSON 2019 - Present Pediatrics Northeast Wyoming Pediatric Associates, PC Sheridan Michael is involved in WWAMI medical education and Wyoming AAP advocacy. He feels privileged that he gets to work and live in an incredible location with an amazing community in Sheridan.
WWAMI was a great opportunity that provided a top tier medical school at a price that cannot be matched. I strongly feel that being a member of the WWAMI program helped me to get interviews and eventually match for residency. ~Dr. Jory Wasserburger
Dr. REBECCA THOMPSON
Dr. BENJAMIN WIDENER
2015 - Present Pathology Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
2017 - Present Rheumatology Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Dr. KRISTOPHER SCHAMBER 2015 - Present Internal Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Dr. KRISTEN Horner SCHAEFER 2016 - Present Anesthesiology Big Horn Anesthesiology Associates Sheridan
Dr. JORY WASSERBURGER 2022 - Present Orthopedics Sheridan Orthopaedic Associates Sheridan
Dr. DAVID NICKERSON 2013 - Present Emergency Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Dr. JACOB LIEB 2010 - Present Emergency Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
Jory has loved joining Sheridan Ortho, because he gets the opportunity to practice in his subspecialty, while also getting to do some bread-and-butter ortho. In their spare time, Jory and his wife Jessica like to mountain bike, ski, fish, hunt, hike, and play sports with their kids.
27
SHERIDAN Dr. AMBER ROBBINS 2008 - Present Dermatology Robbins Dermatology, PC Sheridan
Amber is Treasurer of the Wyoming Academy of Dermatology, the Board President of the Child Development Center Region II, and plays clarinet in the local Community Band and Orchestra. She also loves gardening and spending time with her family.
Dr. BRIAN MENKHAUS 2016 - Present Pathology Sheridan Pathology Associates Sheridan
Dr. ELISE SYLAR 2020 - Present Internal Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
28
Dr. JASON ACKERMAN 2013 - Present Internal Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan
“The WWAMI program is truly a gift to Wyomingites. The medical education we receive through this partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine is top notch, and it encourages this group of highly trained doctors to return to practice throughout our state. It also allows for a sense of camaraderie at hospitals and clinics in our state as we all enjoy going to work each day and working alongside some of our peers from medical school. Continuing to foster this partnership will benefit our communities throughout Wyoming for decades to come.” ~Dr. Elise Sylar
Dr. ISAAC HAYWARD 2022 - Present Emergency Medicine Sheridan Memorial Hospital Sheridan Isaac grew up in Laramie and attended the University of Wyoming. He was in Laramie classrooms from preschool until his second year of medical school. Isaac completed his Emergency Medicine residency at West Virginia University, where he was lucky enough to be one of the chief residents during his final year. After residency at WVU, Isaac returned to Sheridan with his wife Mary and son Milo. They enjoy spending time outdoors, camping, hunting, and hiking. On extended time off work, they can often be found taking road trips to visit national and state parks.
WWAMI is truly a unique chance for those who want to return to Wyoming to get a top-tier medical education and to bring that knowledge back to the state. It also helps the hospitals and clinics know they are getting physicians who will stay in the practice, because they already know what Wyoming is like, both the good and the bad. WWAMI graduates are not driven off by the cold winters or the remote settings, because we have grown up living that life already. ~Dr. Isaac Hayward
29
Dr. BRIANNE Draney CROFTS 2010 - Present General Surgery Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Rock Springs Brianne graduated high school from Green River and studied at Western Wyoming Community College and the University of Wyoming. Upon completion of her general surgery training, Brianne returned to Rock Springs and has been practicing general surgery at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County for the last 13 years. She and her husband have three boys, 13, 10 and 7. Brianne has served as the chairperson of the surgery department at MHSC and was involved as the physician champion with the implementation of the new EMR. She is currently serving as Medical Staff President for MHSC. Outside the hospital, Brianne is involved with her boys’ activities and spends many weekends with her family at their cabin the Wind Rivers. Brianne is proud to call Wyoming home and enjoys serving the healthcare needs of the people of Sweetwater County.
30
The WWAMI program helps bring highly trained Wyoming doctors back to Wyoming. WWAMI provided a solid medical school education and provided opportunities to stay in Wyoming. The education was very affordable. ~Dr. Brianne Draney Crofts
Dr. ALICIA GRAY 2019 - Present Internal Medicine Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Rock Springs
Dr. TONY PEDRI 2018 - Present Orthopedics Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Rock Springs
Dr. KELLY BAXTER 2021 - Present Family Medicine St. John’s Health Jackson
Dr. JACQUELIN Foss HARDENBROOK 2017 - Present Pediatrics Paintbrush Pediatrics Jackson Jacqui was born and raised in Casper and is thrilled to be practicing in Wyoming. She had dreamed of being a pediatrician since 3rd grade! Jacqui especially loves pediatrics, because she gets to develop relationships with families and to watch kids grow up. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing and hiking with her husband and two kids.
WWAMI really does a great job with bringing physicians back to the state to stay. I feel like I got an excellent education and am proud to be practicing in the state where I was born and raised. ~Dr. Jacqui Foss Hardenbrook
Kelly is currently practicing family medicine and urgent care. She enjoys skiing, biking, hiking, rafting, surfing, and most other outdoor hobbies. Kelly loves traveling and spending time with people who inspire and uplift her. She feels lucky to practice near family and friends.
Dr. STEPHANIE LYDEN 2020 - Present Neurology St. John’s Specialty Clinic Jackson
Dr. WILL SMITH 2017 - Present Emergency Medicine Wilderness & Emergency Consulting Jackson
“I knew I wanted to practice in Wyoming and felt WWAMI was the best combination of a fantastic medical education with access to multiple resources and experiences in Wyoming.” ~Dr. Tobin Dennis
Dr. TOBIN DENNIS 2000 - Present Emergency Medicine St. John’s Health Jackson
Tobin was born and raised in Wyoming and now lives in Jackson with his wife and two children. He is a volunteer with Teton County Search and Rescue.
31
Dr. SPENCER WESTON WWAMI provides world-class training, the ability to return home to practice medicine, and a direct way to give back to the communities that have given me everything. ~ Dr. Spencer Weston
2016 - Present Family Medicine High Country Behavioral Health Evanston Spencer is Vice President and Uinta County Trustee for the Wyoming Medical Society. He previously served as President of the Wyoming Academy of Family Physicians. Spencer is board certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Dr. JASON HAACK 2008 - Present Otolaryngology Southwest Wyoming ENT Evanston
Dr. STEVEN FLYNN 2020 - Present Emergency Medicine Evanston Regional Hospital Evanston Steven’s special interests include the negative health consequences of climate warming.
32
IN MEMORIAM
DR. THOR HALLINGBYE (E-2004)
DR. BRECK McCARTY (E-2000)
DR. TRAVIS ROBERTS (E-2002)
April 7, 1980 ~ August 14, 2021
March 24, 1978 ~ October 20, 2021
May 10, 1973 ~ September 27, 2022
“Thor’s love for life lifted everyone up around him. He always made you feel like he had time to listen, time to care, time just for you. He was a quiet and humble leader within the medical profession and a mentor for the next generation.”
“Breck touched and impacted many lives and will be greatly missed by so many. Her love for her family and friends and her compassionate care for her patients will never be forgotten.”
“At the time of his death Travis was practicing medicine in Gillette, WY. He loved gardening and landscaping. A very private person, he did kind things for others without wanting recognition. He will be greatly missed by many who truly knew him.”
Full Obituary
Full Obituary
Full Obituary
33
LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
YEAR ENTERED MED SCHOOL
CITY
COUNTY
PAGE
Ackerman, Jason
2006
Sheridan
Sheridan
28
Bailey, Marcus
2013
Casper
Natrona
21
Baldwin, Tyler
2013
Gillette
Campbell
7
Bartsch, Makenzie
2015
Casper
Natrona
18
Baxter, Kelly
2013
Jackson
Teton
31
Bluemel, Landon
2011
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Borin, Danielle
2014
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Brown, Clayton
2009
Afton
Lincoln
17
Burton, Ryan
2000
Casper
Natrona
21
Caller, Tracie
2003
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Capron, Lindsay (Lozier)
2010
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Chen, Jie
2005
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Christensen, Brittany
2016
Powell
Park
23
Clark, Liam
2014
Cheyenne
Laramie
16
Clements, Steven
2009
Gillette
Campbell
7
Clinton, Glen
2016
Laramie
Albany
4
Colgan, Alexander
2012
Casper
Natrona
21
Cousins, Jody
1999
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Crofts, Brianne (Draney)
2001
Rock Springs
Sweetwater
30
Crull, Matthew
2004
Casper
Natrona
21
Cubin, Eric
2001
Casper
Natrona
18
Cubin, Jonna (Graves)
1999
Casper
Natrona
18
Dennis, Tobin
2012
Jackson
Teton
31
Dozier, Melissa
2013
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Dugas, Bryan
2012
Laramie
Albany
4
Durney, Sarah
2004
Powell
Park
22
Engle, Deeanne (Johnson)
1999
Douglas
Converse
8
Enriquez, Claire (Korpela)
2015
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Flynn, Steven
2011
Evanston
Uinta
32
34
LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
YEAR ENTERED MED SCHOOL
CITY
COUNTY
PAGE
Fournier, Matt
2011
Laramie
Albany
4
Freeman, Aaron
2012
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Gallo, Kacie (Pauli)
2002
Lander
Fremont
9
Gebhart, Sandra (Smylie)
2009
Gillette
Campbell
7
Goddard, Luke
2006
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Goeken, Brittney
2016
Gillette
Campbell
7
Gonda, Shaun
2000
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Gottsch, Henry
2002
Casper
Natrona
18
Gray, Alicia
2012
Rock Springs
Sweetwater
30
Gregory, Sarah
2013
Cheyenne
Laramie
16
Grube, Megan (McKay)
2010
Casper
Natrona
21
Haack, Jason
1998
Evanston
Uinta
32
Habel, Andrea
2014
Laramie
Albany
4
Hall, Hannah (Tenney)
2006
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Hardenbrook, Jacquelin (Foss)
2010
Jackson
Teton
31
Hardy, Brian
2008
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Hayward, Isaac
2015
Sheridan
Sheridan
29
Helling, Kevin
2003
Casper
Natrona
20
Horne, Emily (Francis)
2001
Lander
Fremont
9
Jensen, Tricia
2014
Gillette
Campbell
7
Johnson, Morgan
2014
Casper
Natrona
18
Johnson, Paul
1999
Laramie
Albany
4
Kapeles, Matthew
2011
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Karnes, Sharon (Oland)
1997
Casper
Natrona
18
Lamblin, Cory
2002
Lander
Fremont
9
Lengfelder, Valerie (Cordero)
1997
Powell
Park
22
Lieb, Jacob
2003
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Linford, Samuel
2003
Afton
Lincoln
17
Lowe, Elise
2009
Cody
Park
22
35
LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
YEAR ENTERED MED SCHOOL
CITY
COUNTY
PAGE
Lyden, Stephanie
2011
Jackson
Teton
31
Massey, Krystal (Jones)
2010
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Mathey, Mattson
2011
Thermopolis
Hot Springs
11
McDonald, James
2006
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
McKenna, Mark
2001
Laramie
Albany
5
McMahill, Clint
2006
Lander
Fremont
9
Menkhaus, Brian
2008
Sheridan
Sheridan
28
Merrell, Jacob
2005
Powell
Park
22
Pieper, Samantha (Michelena)
2007
Cheyenne
Laramie
17
Mills, David
2010
Cody
Park
22
Monfre, Joseph
2006
Casper
Natrona
19
Mullen, Lisa (Hill)
2007
Buffalo
Johnson
12
Myers, Brittany
2014
Casper
Natrona
19
Neves, Coulter
2014
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Nevins, Derek
2005
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Nickerson, David
2005
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Olson, Megan
2016
Thermopolis
Hot Springs
11
Orpet, Ross
2012
Torrington
Goshen
10
Pedri, Tony
2009
Rock Springs
Sweetwater
30
Peters, Adam
2000
Cody
Park
23
Quest, Tyler
2009
Casper
Natrona
19
Richards, Hope (Wilson)
2011
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Rieb, Nathaniel
2001
–
Park
23
Rinker, Jacob
2006
Gillette
Campbell
7
Robbins, Amber
2000
Sheridan
Sheridan
28
Romano, Justin
2014
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
Rose, Andrew
2004
Cheyenne
Laramie
16
Ross, Kymberly (May)
2013
Lander
Fremont
9
Ruby, Blaine
1998
Buffalo
Johnson
12
36
LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
YEAR ENTERED MED SCHOOL
CITY
COUNTY
PAGE
Sanderson, Michael
2012
Sheridan
Sheridan
26
Schaefer, Kristen (Horner)
2008
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Schamber, Kristopher
2007
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Scheer, Gentian
1997
Lander
Fremont
9
Schlidt, Brian
2015
Casper
Natrona
19
Sheridan, Susan
1999
Casper
Natrona
19
Smith, Will
1997
Jackson
Teton
31
Sowerwine, Sarah
2012
Powell
Park
23
Sylar, Elise
2013
Sheridan
Sheridan
28
Talbot, Ketura
2006
Laramie
Albany
4
Thompson, Rebecca
2007
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Turcer, Filip
2008
Powell
Park
23
Ullrich, Ashley (Klone)
2011
Casper
Natrona
19
VanKirk, Kristine (Barr)
2003
Cheyenne
Laramie
16
Wallace, Gregory
2005
Laramie
Albany
5
Wasserburger, Jory
2012
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Waters, James
2006
Cheyenne
Laramie
15
Watt, Doug
2008
Gillette
Campbell
7
Westbrook, Kim (Nicholas)
2006
Laramie
Albany
5
Weston, Spencer
2008
Evanston
Uinta
32
Whitson, Kayla (Morrison)
2015
Gillette
Campbell
7
Widener, Benjamin
2007
Sheridan
Sheridan
27
Wilde, Sawley
2012
Powell
Park
23
Wille, Derek
2012
Cody
Park
23
Williams, Alyse (Springer)
2010
Buffalo
Johnson
12
Woodard, Megan
2009
Cheyenne
Laramie
14
37