The University of Washington’s now three year old “College System” was developed, in part, to solve some of the challenges of modern medical education (including the need for teaching excellence in fundamental clinical skills) that were identified on a national level and reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges Project on Clinical Education . But, what were we to name each of the five Colleges? The answer was almost immediate, for what characterizes the Pacific Northwest more than the land in all its variety and magnificence? In his writings, Dostoevsky regularly emphasized the importance of the land to people. So true for our region.

Our College is named for the 1040 mile long Snake River, which begins in the beauty of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming, flows on to cross the entire width of southern Idaho, then forms part of the Idaho-Oregon border, and then the Washington-Oregon border, before joining the Columbia River on its way to the Pacific Ocean. In 1805 Lewis and Clark traveled along this magical waterway as explorers, naturalists, scientists, and peaceful emissaries to the Native people of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the Snake River was once called the Lewis River. Today, as a medical student, you also are scientists and naturalists. But unlike Lewis and Clark, your journey into the landscape of the human condition won’t last just two years. You see, a “medical education” actually takes us the rest of our lives. Medicine is, after all, a forever practice. It is a terribly long journey you have decided to take: not at all easy, but important, worthwhile, and very significant. Medicine gives you the opportunity to make a positive difference in our troubled world and in the lives of people who desperately need your talents and skills.

The faculty of Snake River College heartily welcome you to medical school, clinical training, and a profession that is filled with heritage, heartache, sacrifice, tears, challenges, joy, fulfillment, and, most of all, meaning. Please remember something throughout your journey: we are here and work for you. To the best of our abilities, we will share with you the art and science of clinical skills – and do our utmost to assist you throughout your medical school years in the many aspects of becoming skilled health professionals and healers. Something else worth reflecting on periodically, as written so wonderfully by Norman Maclean: “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

Rick Arnold, MD (Head, Snake River College)
Karen Barr, MD
Ted Carter, MD

Claudia Finkelstein, MD
Misbah Keen, MD
Joseph Merrill, MD
Michelle Terry, MD