2024 Scholarship Recipients

Paul Amoreno

Hometown: Banner Elk, NC

Medical School: College of Osteopathic Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima

Favorite clinical rotation: My favorite rotation was the 9-month longitudinal FM component of my third year in Okanogan County. No matter what other specialty rotation I was doing, I would consistently have 1-3 days per week of clinic at our local FQHC clinics in Omak, Twisp, and Tonasket, while also taking OB call with the FMOB physicians, and inpatient medicine with them as well, for a true full-spectrum experience in rural north-central Washington. The extra time and consistent exposure had the added benefit of allowing me to form lasting friendships within the program and the community; somewhere I’d love to return to serve as a full-scope family physician.

What drew you to Family Medicine? I’m sure like many students interested in rural Family Medicine, the draw of full-spectrum practice (I loved everything, so why not go for the specialty that allows one to do a bit of it all!), truly long-term patient relationships, and integration with the community. I also like how the specialty is well set-up for physicians interested in advocacy work.

Anything else you want people to know about you? Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my partner, travelling when able. I love a lot of the typical PNW outdoor things like backpacking and kayaking, as well as other interests like D&D, reading (for fun!), and recently attempting to re-learn to inline skate.

Evangelina Olivera

Hometown: Pendleton, Oregon 

Medical School: College of Osteopathic Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima

Favorite clinical rotation: One of my emergency medicine rotations that I was able to complete in my hometown. Something about growing up in Pendleton, then returning to help the community that has watched me grow up and has supported me my entire life was very surreal. It was also an eye opener for me that knowing all of my patients, and them knowing everything about me, may not be the best for my career. This is what leads me to want to practice in rural Washington, close enough to help my community, but also a little bit of healthy distance in between.

What drew you to Family Medicine? I began my degree in pharmaceutical sciences, because I wanted to understand cancer and help others understand it as well. I began working as a research scientist at a manufacturing company, but quickly realized I did not have the patient interaction that I craved. When applying to medical school, I had the same goal in mind; to be able to help others comprehend what is happening in their own body. This foundation is what led me to Family Medicine. I want to be there to support individuals of all ages not only receive the care they need but also understand why.

Anything else you want people to know about you? I grew up in a blue-collar family with four brothers. I have always been the wrestling partner (most of the time unwillingly) and the helper for all of the stucco, drywall, and tile (etc.) jobs that my parents took on. This led me to a college career in softball and volleyball and one of my favorite hobbies, building IKEA furniture. 

Ali Vyhmeister

Hometown: Wenatchee, WA 

Medical School: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University

Favorite clinical rotation: My two favorite clinical rotations were with family medicine providers at Miramar Health Center and Trios Health. In my third year of medical school, I rotated at Miramar, where I had the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population, many who faced significant barriers to healthcare. This was also where I realized how full-spectrum family medicine could be. My preceptor did a lot of women’s health including pap smears, birth control, and colposcopies. I found the experience especially rewarding as I saw firsthand how the clinic’s multidisciplinary team worked together to provide holistic care. The integration of multiple services in one location made it easier for patients to access the care and support they needed, often overcoming the logistical barriers they faced. 

At Trios, I had the unique opportunity to be part of continuity deliveries with the family physician I was rotating with. It was incredible to go between the clinic and the hospital in a single day to deliver babies, providing a true sense of continuity of care in family medicine. These rotations solidified my interest in family medicine, as I gained both a broader understanding of the full scope of family medicine and an appreciation for the continuity of care that defines the specialty.

What drew you to Family Medicine? I am drawn to family medicine because of the wide scope of practice it offers and the unique opportunity to develop long-term, multigenerational relationships with patients. I value the ability to care for patients at every stage of life, from infants to the elderly, and to build meaningful connections over time. The continuity of care in family medicine allows physicians to truly understand their patients’ health. The ability to provide care across all stages of life, while treating patients as individuals within the context of their unique circumstances, is what makes family medicine so rewarding for me.

Anything else you want people to know about you? I would not be where I am today without my family. I appreciate all they have done for me. I look forward to being able to help care for others’ family members. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing golf with my family, spending time with my pets, and crocheting.