On Friday, April 4, PNWU hosted its annual Residency Fair, an event that continues to be a cornerstone of the student experience for future physicians. Held from noon to 2 p.m. in the Grand Foyer of Butler-Haney Hall, the 2025 Residency Fair welcomed residency programs from across the region, offering PNWU students a valuable opportunity to connect with program directors, faculty, and current residents.
In a day filled with networking, insights, and opportunities, students had the chance to explore family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric residency programs while learning about the realities of residency life. The event also included free lunch for all students, making it a lively, interactive experience where attendees could engage in meaningful conversations with representatives from some of the top residency programs in the Pacific Northwest.
“Personal connections matter, and programs remember our students.”
“Personal connections matter, and programs remember our students,” said Michelle Chadek, MS, Director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at PNWU. “One year, a student met a Program Director at the Residency Fair, and they had an impactful conversation. A few years later, that Program Director interviewed her for a residency position and remembered their conversation, which made the student feel more at ease. That interaction played a big role in her successful match to that program.”
The Residency Fair provides PNWU students with not just a chance to network, but also to better understand key elements of residency, such as work/life balance, call schedules, and the day-to-day experiences of residents and faculty. It’s a pivotal opportunity for students to gain a clearer picture of what their future careers could look like.
Over 25 residency programs were present, including:
- Central Washington Family Medicine Residency Program – Yakima, WA
- Community Health Care – Tacoma, WA
- Full Circle Health Family Medicine Residency of Idaho | Caldwell Rural Training Program – Caldwell, ID
- HealthPoint Family Medicine Residency Program – Auburn, WA
- Kadlec Family Medicine Residency – Richland, WA
- MultiCare East Pierce Family Medicine Residency – Puyallup, WA
- MultiCare Tacoma Family Medicine | Omak Rural Training Program – Omak, WA
- Providence St. Peter Hospital Family Medicine Residency – Olympia, WA
- Providence St. Peter Hospital Family Medicine Residency | Summit Pacific Rural Training Program – Elma, WA
- Puyallup Tribal Health Authority Family Medicine Residency – Tacoma, WA
- Skagit Regional Health – Mt. Vernon, WA
- Sollus Northwest Family Medicine Program – Grandview, WA
- Spokane Teaching Health Center Family Medicine Program – Spokane, WA
- Spokane Teaching Health Center Family Medicine Program | Colville Rural Training Program – Colville, WA
- St. Alphonsus Family Medicine Residency – Nampa, ID
- St. Joseph Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency – Tacoma, WA
- Tacoma Family Medicine – Tacoma, WA
- Trios Health Family Medicine Residency – Kennewick, WA
- Trios Health Internal Medicine Residency – Kennewick, WA
- University of WA Family Medicine | Chelan Rural Training Track – Chelan, WA
- Valley Family Medicine Residency – Renton, WA
- WSU Family Medicine Residency – Pullman, WA
- WSU Internal Medicine Residency – Everett, WA
- WSU Pediatric Residency – Spokane, WA
- WWAMI Network
The event not only highlighted the importance of securing the right residency match but also underscored the strength of the PNWU community. Students and faculty had the chance to engage in honest conversations, exchange advice, and build relationships that will continue to benefit them throughout their careers.
Reflecting on the Residency Fair’s continued success, Chadek expressed immense pride in the growing impact of PNWU’s mission.
“Our students are not only excelling in residency placements, but they’re also shaping the future of healthcare.”
“When I see PNWU alumni working as attending physicians and making a difference in their communities, I’m reminded of why we do what we do,” she said. “Our students are not only excelling in residency placements, but they’re also shaping the future of healthcare.”
