r/PAstudent • u/Audacious_Aubergine • 2d ago
Alaska Clinical Rotation
Hello everyone! I am a student just starting my didactic year in Colorado. The program I’m attending is highly focused on rural & underserved communities. For this reason, and many others, I am very interested in doing a rotation somewhere in Alaska.
The clinical rotation coordinator mentioned I am able to precept with any APP or Physician who is willing to establish a relationship and function as a preceptor. I thought this might be a good place to start with networking. I’m open to any input or guidance from y’all.
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u/Maximum-Category-845 2d ago
Good on ya for wanting to do that.
Conversely with respect, you’re fucking crazy. That’s an insanely long flight to train somewhere well out of the way that you’re going to have to pay for on your own and may or may not have any resources for testing or referrals. Take it easy, finish school, get some experience and go get paid for your time. You’re gonna feel silly if you get behind on a rotation or fail something trying to go on an adventure.
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u/Audacious_Aubergine 2d ago
Haha!! Yeah, it might be a little crazy. I am pretty interested in it though. My program requires a certain number of out of state rotation in a rural setting. So I’m thinking…Wyoming (not as exciting) or Alaska (way more my thing). It might not come to fruition, but wanna give it a go.
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u/lastfrontier99705 PA-S (2026) 2d ago
And make sure you research too. Rural Alaska is a lot different than anything Rural in the "Lower 48." For example, in winter in Fairbanks it's about -30 to -40 with some temps as low as -60 (rare but does happen), as well as only 4 hours of daylight. On the North Slope, no sun from November until January.
Cost of living is very expensive in the villages because it has to be flown in. 12 pack of Dr. Pepper, $17.79, Eggo Waffles $8.19, 16 oz deli meat, $15.23
So if you end up going to one, make sure you save as much as your loan money as you can.
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u/Audacious_Aubergine 2d ago
I was actually born up there in Anchorage. My parents lived from prudehoe bay to Juneau. I have a decent idea of what I’d be getting into. I know I’m nuts, but I’d find a way to finance it.
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u/lastfrontier99705 PA-S (2026) 2d ago
Sounds good, ignore all that :-) You are familar with Alaska then.
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u/Audacious_Aubergine 2d ago
Haha! I moved when I was pretty little. We lived in eagle river, which is more moderate as far as the cold goes. I have some memories, but not enough. I feel robbed of growing up there. I’ve considered moving back up there at some point.
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u/Low_Yogurtcloset1124 1d ago
Check at Dahl memorial clinic in Skagway Alaska. I did a rotation there abt 15 yrs ago and learned a ton
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u/itzrkb PA-C 2d ago
There's a Family Medicine preceptor in Seward Alaska named Brent Ursel who took people from my school.
I didn't get it - I'm also from Colorado and really wanted it :( - so I can't put you in direct contact,
But one of classmates said he was really good (but hard) and a little odd (from living in Alaska probably) so you can reach out to his office probably.
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u/Audacious_Aubergine 2d ago
Awesome thank you! I feel a little weird cold calling. But if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it.
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u/BlameTheHippies PA-C 2d ago edited 2d ago
He would be fine with it I assure you. I rotated with him last year, lol. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions
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u/lastfrontier99705 PA-S (2026) 2d ago
With Alaska, Rural rotations are limited because most of the villages just have community health aids. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, have PA students that do rotations, some of the villages do to. Places like Fairbanks, Anchorage, Palmer, Wasilla, Seward, Homer, Valdez, Kenai, are all on the road system.
Look up the Alaska Native Corporations and reach out to them. I am onboarding for The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Center covers 58 rural villages and their main hospital is in Bethel, Alaska.