Alaska Graduate Medical Education Council

Empowering Graduate Medical Education in Alaska

The Alaska GME Council works to improve access to high-quality healthcare for Alaskans by leveraging broad expertise to strengthen, expand, and advocate for physician graduate medical education in Alaska.

Resources

Why GME Matters in Alaska

Alaska faces a persistent physician shortage driven by an aging workforce, geographic challenges, and growing national competition. Graduate medical education (GME)—residency and fellowship training—strengthens Alaska’s healthcare system by preparing physicians who are more likely to practice and stay where they train.

Physician Shortage

Alaska needs to recruit enough physicians to replace those retiring or leaving the state.

Training Required for Licensure

All physicians must complete three or more years of GME before practicing independently.

Residents Provide Essential Care

Medical residents are licensed physicians who deliver critical patient care.

Stronger Retention

More than half of physicians remain in the state where they train.

Proven Success in Alaska

Approximately 70% of Alaska Family Medicine Residency graduates continue practicing in Alaska.

Future-Focused Workforce

Expanding GME supports rural access, improves workforce diversity, and prepares Alaska for longterm healthcare needs.

What Alaska GME Does

Alaska GME coordinates and supports physician training programs that strengthen Alaska’s healthcare
workforce and improve access to care statewide.

Supports Residency & Fellowship Programs

Helps support and provide information regarding physician training opportunities

Strengthens Workforce Planning

Uses data and collaboration to address physician shortages and future needs

Brings Partners Together

Connects hospitals, community health centers, educators, and policymakers to align GME efforts

Advances Long-Term Retention

Promotes training models that encourage physicians to live and practice in Alaska

PROGRAMS WITH MORE THAN 30% OF TRAINING TIME IN ALASKA

Graduate Medical Education

Addiction Medicine Fellowship

Anchorage
Training Time in Alaska
12 Months
100% Remain in Alaska

Sponsoring Institution:
Providence Alaska Medical Center

Alaska Family Medicine Residency

Anchorage
Training Time in Alaska
36 Months
77% Remain in Alaska

Sponsoring Institution:
Providence Alaska Medical Center

Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Fellowship

Anchorage
Training Time in Alaska
12 Months
60% Remain in Alaska

Sponsoring Institution:
Providence Alaska Medical Center

UW AK Internal Medicine
Rural Residency

Soldotna
Training Time in Alaska
24 Months
TBD Remain in Alaska

Sponsoring Institution:
University of Washington

UW Pediatrics Alaska Track
Residency

Anchorage
Training Time in Alaska
12 Months
33% Remain in Alaska

Sponsoring Institution:
University of Washington

Join us!

Interested in partnering with the Alaska GME
Council or expanding physician training in
your community? Contact us to get started

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