Clinical Rotations
After classroom work in each health related career, students must often travel to another location for clinical experience specific to their content area. Southeast AHEC has supported clinical rotations for family practice, primary care, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nursing, optometry, lab tech and imaging, dentists and pharmacists.

What Students are Saying About Clinical Experiences

MARI HOLDERBY, Optometry

“In my rotation, I learned how to be independent and autonomous in my care for patients. I saw a [very] unique culture of individuals with very rare pathologies that I don’t think I would have seen anywhere else other than Alaska. I am a stronger, more resilient doctor because of this experience.”
MEAGAN MEEKIN, Physician’s Assistant [talking on radio about PAs in rural Alaska]

“Southeast Alaska was such a wonderful place to do my rotation for PA school. Not only was it beautiful, the experiences I gained were invaluable. The warmth and encouragement I received from everyone was amazing. I am so thankful to AHEC for supporting and encouraging my experience in Southeast.”

CHELSEA FISCHER, WWAMI Medical Student

“My precepting experience at the PeaceHealth Prince of Wales clinic with Dr. Ballard, DO and Joe Burke, ANP was amazing! While I learned a lot about medicine, I learned even more what it would be like to live and practice in a rural community. As a born-and-raised Alaskan from Anchorage, I greatly underestimated the differences between urban and rural medicine. Precepting in Craig gave me the type of experience that I would never receive in Anchorage, or any other large city. I value it greatly and it has inspired me to pursue a career in rural medicine. I absolutely loved it, and hope to return to the Southeast in the future!

“Thank you so much for all of your help and support through the RUOP process. I truly did enjoy my time in the Southeast.”

CODY CARSON and ALLISON WILLIS, Pharmacy Students

“My experience on my pharmacy rotation in Juneau was nothing short of extraordinary. From the minute the plane started descending, I could see beautiful mountains, the glimmering North Pacific, and trees for miles. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Juneau also boasts a rich native culture, as well as an ever-growing medical community. My rotation site, The Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium clinic, was no exception. With a solid foundation in ambulatory care, this Indian Health Services facility was a great place to become more familiar with anticoagulation, pain management, and general patient counseling. Outside of the rotation, I had a wonderful time hiking the Mendenhall Glacier, sight-seeing downtown, and getting to know this beautiful city. I encourage anyone who gets the opportunity to explore all that Alaska has to offer to do so!” Cody Carson

BRYAN GENDRON, Pharmacy

“I just wanted to send another big thank you for the support. Today is my last day at SEARHC and I had a wonderful time. I was able to learn a lot about the culture here in addition to gaining experience for my professional career. I have forwarded information about completing rotations in Alaska to the office in charge of completing rotations. Thanks for everything!”

BRITT VALENTA

“The rotation gave me direct exposure to a patient population that faces numerous challenges to receiving quality healthcare….Realization of these challenges made me realize… the importance of getting healthcare professionals to these patient populations.”

LINDA PHAM, Optometry

“I have truly enjoyed being a SEARHC intern this summer. I’ve learned a lot — not only about my profession, but how different professions work together to provide the highest standard of health care and increase the quality of life of their patients. The providers that work at SEARHC are top of their profession and I have enjoyed being a witness to very positive patient-provider interactions.”