Andrew L. Turner, dean of students at the University of Wyoming, has accepted the position of director of the joint Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI) Medical Education Program at Washington State University and the University of Idaho. Turner, who has more than 20 years experience with rural health care administration, education and professional psychology practice, begins Aug. 11.
WWAMI provides medical education to both rural and urban areas of these five states through the University of Washington School of Medicine, sharing existing facilities and personnel in local universities and communities. UI and WSU in Pullman send a total of 38 students to the UW School of Medicine in Seattle for their second year. The third and fourth years are clinical practice, which can be conducted throughout the five WWAMI states; the students finalize at UW.
Turner, who will have offices at both UI and WSU, succeeds Michael Laskowski, who steps down after 14 years in the position to continue teaching and research in nerve regeneration.
Turner has been dean of students at University of Wyoming since 2000, an administrator and clinical professor of psychology and medicine over his 14 years there, consulting psychologist to agencies, boards and private schools, and psychologist and director at several mental health centers over the years. He has been active in WWAMI activities in Wyoming and is committed to diversity training and minority affairs.
WSU Provost Robert Bates said Turner’s background in psychology along with his proven track record of collaboration with researchers and physicians “made him an ideal candidate for the position. His extensive experience with student affairs will greatly help our recruiting efforts, particularly with diverse populations.”
The position also includes a joint appointment as assistant dean at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Turner will administer the first-year medical curriculum at UI and WSU, ensure a research environment for faculty, provide support services for first-year medical students, budget funds allocated to the programs from state, private and federal sources. He will foster outreach activities in K-12 programs and pre-medical clinical opportunities and partner with the medical communities, state leaders and public and private health care organizations in Idaho and Washington.
