Family Medicine

A Welcome From the Vice Chair

Thank you for your interest in Family Medicine at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students, we welcome you

We are motivated by our mission to care for the historically underserved and vulnerable populations in Washington to foster academic excellence in the education of medical students. We utilize a holistic review process and prioritize key applicant attributes evident in those that choose rural and urban underserved practices. We utilize a competency-based curriculum that is designed to provide our graduates with comprehensive knowledge and outstanding skills in primary care, especially Family Medicine. Our approach to medical education is student centered, mission aligned, community aware, and, as a result both innovative and creative. We challenge ourselves to center the needs of patients, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic standings, and adversity – key values for future Family Physicians – through service, advocacy, and research efforts. Our students’ research ideas and clinical efforts are closely mentored and nurtured, with a priority on clinical reasoning (including comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty), whole person care, and continuity of relationships. We aim to train the next generation of physicians to be outstanding clinicians, researchers, teachers, advocates, and leaders. Our graduates move on to match at high-ranking residencies and the majority stay within the region fulfilling our mission. We are very proud of our educational program and welcome inquiries in our commitment to growing and evolving in our approach to Family Medicine education.

“Washington State University College of Medicine was incredibly supportive of my goals to become a broad scope family doctor. I was never at a loss for mentors, essay/CV editors, or encouragement from faculty. The curriculum ‘s emphasis and inclusion on diversity, advocacy and community were all instrumental in shaping my education and helped me stand out as a competitive applicant for Family Medicine residency programs. 

I am now receiving training at a combined Family Medicine and Psychiatry program, which will help me address the critical need for high quality primary and mental health care in the state of Washington to an even greater depth than I had originally planned.”

Brooke Byun, MD Class of 2023