Clinical Rotation – Western Idaho
Demographic Information
Cities within the Western Idaho region boundaries are: Boise, Burley, Caldwell, Meridian, Mountain Home, Nampa, and Ontario
Fitness/recreation areas available in the region:
This region has all the seasons. Foothills and greenbelt for hiking, biking, trail running, water sport (boating, rafting, etc.); winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc.). Boise State University and several other college sports. There are also cultural opportunities (plays, art museums, etc.) along with wine tasting and microbreweries.
Housing:
Meridian/Nampa is the most central and most affordable. Rentals can be hard to come by, but several new apartments are being built. For new students coming to the area, do not delay securing housing because the market can be competitive.
Length of time region has been training with PNWU students:
Since the first PNWU class of 2012.
Preceptor/Rotation Information
The region will do their best to schedule core rotations within 50 miles one way from where didactics are held or from the satellite locations (a location for clinical rotations associated with a regional site). If a core rotation occurs more than 50 miles from their assigned site, student may 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:
- Asthma and Allergy
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Internal Medicine
- OB/GYN Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Urology
Number of preceptors credentialed with PNWU to teach CORE rotations:
We generally have at least 2 preceptors for each core rotation.
D.O. preceptors in the region (approx.): 10
M.D. preceptors in the region (approx.): 10
Rotations that provide inpatient experience:
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatrics
Rotation challenges in the region based on availability:
At the moment we have all CORE rotations available for most students. Some will have to travel out of region to complete their rotation.
- Behavioral Health
Is there integration of other schools with PNWU students?
Our students work with Residents, PA’s, Nurse Practitioners and other medical students.
Residencies available in the region that PNWU students are involved in (didactics, rotations, etc.):
Yes, students will work with residents during their Internal Medicine rotation at West Valley Medical Center as well as a few other Family Medicine rotations.
Opportunities to practice OMM:
Yes, several of the preceptors are open to this.
Out-of-Region Expectations:
It is expected that a student may be required to rotate outside of their region for any unavailable core rotations. Please see student handbook for policies and procedures related to core rotations conducted out of region.
Didactics Information
Centralized Didactics are held every Wednesday afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. Students will join the online PNWU Centralized Didactics for the Clinical Didactics (CLIN 704) course.
Region-led didactics, which are part of the Clinical Didactics (CLIN 704) course, are held every Wednesday as scheduled by the regional leadership and include various topics/activities.
There may also be opportunities for students to attend the Caldwell didactics that occur once monthly on a Friday from 1:30 pm to 5 pm MT. These are not mandatory but they have great topics and if your clinical schedule allows, attendance is recommended.
Special region-led didactics will be held as needed for guest speakers and in order to give you time to practice case presentation skills, go over Board review questions, prepare for 4th year planning, discuss professionalism topics and many more.
Other learning opportunities in addition to PNWU didactics include:
Pediatric Residency of Idaho holds periodic pediatrics interest group sessions which are available to PNWU students.
Core (3rd year) rotations available within driving distance (50 miles) of the didactics site?
Yes. Our region spans from Ontario, Oregon to Mountain Home, Idaho, and includes Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Middleton, and Caldwell.
This is a large region so expect to drive. Living somewhere in Nampa close to the freeway will put you in the center of the region.
Additional Information
Region strengths:
Our preceptors care for our students and hold PNWU in high regard. We expect a lot from our students to maintain this reputation and relationships.
Why might a student choose this region over another?
If you have some ties to the area it is a bonus for rotations.
Student/Resident Information: (as of AY 24-25)
Number of OMS3 Students Rotating in Region: 11
Number of OMS4 Students Rotating in Region: 11
Alumni in Residency Programs (Idaho totals): 53
Alumni practicing in the regions (Idaho totals): 41
% of PNWU-COM matriculations from regions (Idaho totals): 2.8%
Additional information:
Variety of rotations, from busy hospital rotations to small rural clinics.
Regional Site Leadership
Assistant Dean:
Brenda Polite, MD, FAAFP
bpolite@pnwu.edu
360-269-1886
Regional Site Administrator:
Jennifer Nash
jnash@pnwu.edu
208-703-2885
Address used for Site Selection: 1717 Arlington Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
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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