Director Introduction

A Message From Gary R. Newkirk, M.D., Program Director
Family Medicine Spokane and Family Medicine Spokane Rural Training Track

Family Medicine Spokane was established in 1972 as a fully accredited family medicine residency program. The primary goal of Family Medicine Spokane has been to prepare family physicians to meet the health care needs of the Intermountain and Pacific Northwest. From its inception we have enjoyed an outstanding level of support from our geographic, medical, and economic community. In 1984 we established one of the first post graduate fellowships in obstetrical training providing obstetric experience for graduate family physicians. In 1986 Family Medicine Spokane established the first Rural Training Track program which has become the national model and standard for rural community based graduate medical education.

Our commitment to our residents is to provide a comprehensive educational experience. We remain committed to this mission and have adapted our curriculum to prepare our graduates for not only the cognitive, but also the procedural demands of the well-trained contemporary family physician.

We are one of sixteen family practice residency programs affiliated with the University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine. We offer a Traditional Program (FMS) and a Rural Training Track Program (FMSRTT). All FMS and FMSRTT faculty members hold academic appointments with the University of Washington School of Medicine. We feel that we offer the best of both worlds, a strong academic presence by the University of Washington as well as an abundance of clinical opportunities within our community. We are extremely fortunate in having a very stable practice, faculty, and staff, which optimizes the education of our resident physicians.

We seek residents who desire a dynamic, broad based training experience in family medicine and who are motivated to become the best possible physician and community member they can be. We encourage applications from individuals attending all medical schools. We thank you and welcome your interest in our program.

Gary R. Newkirk, MD