Learn. Connect. Act.
Preparing the next generation of physician leaders to strengthen primary care, advance health equity, and transform healthcare systems.
Welcome
The Primary Care Health Policy Scholars Program is a longitudinal leadership, health policy, and advocacy program for University of Washington medical students. Through education, mentorship, and action-oriented projects, students gain the knowledge, skills, and relationships needed to become effective advocates for patients, communities, and the future of primary care.
Primary care is the foundation of a high-performing healthcare system. Strong primary care improves health outcomes, reduces disparities, and lowers healthcare costs.
Yet many medical students receive little formal training in:
- Health policy
- Healthcare financing
- Advocacy
- Leadership
- Systems transformation
This program helps bridge that gap.
Learn
Develop foundational knowledge in:
- Health policy
- Healthcare financing
- Healthcare economics
- Primary care transformation
- Advocacy
- Leadership
- Health equity
Curriculum adapted from the UCSF Primary Care Leadership Academy and tailored to Washington State.
Connect
Build relationships with:
- Faculty mentors
- Health system leaders
- Policymakers
- Researchers
- Community organizations
- Primary care advocates
Students gain exposure to healthcare leadership and policy work occurring across UW Medicine and Washington State.
Act
Apply learning through:
- Research projects
- Policy briefs
- Advocacy initiatives
- Quality improvement projects
- Community partnerships
Students work in teams to complete a capstone project focused on improving healthcare systems, strengthening primary care, or advancing health equity.
Scholar Cohort
- 12–16 students selected annually
- Open to students from all four years of medical school
- No prior policy experience required
Meetings
Monthly Evening Sessions
When: One Wednesday evening per month starting September 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Dinner Provided
Format:
- Interactive learning sessions
- Guest speakers
- Small-group discussions
- Mentorship opportunities
- Project work
Example Topics
- Healthcare financing and payment reform
- Medicaid and Medicare
- Primary care workforce policy
- Health equity and social determinants of health
- Legislative advocacy
- Community organizing
- Leadership development
- Population health
- Value-based care
- Healthcare transformation
Students may:
- Work with policymakers and health system leaders
- Participate in advocacy events and legislative visits
- Conduct policy-relevant research
- Develop policy briefs and presentations
- Present work at conferences
- Collaborate with faculty mentors
- Build leadership and communication skills
- Explore careers in primary care leadership and health policy
Faculty Director
Elizabeth Hutchinson, MD
Department of Family Medicine
University of Washington
Email: ech@uw.edu
Student Leadership Team
Community & Student Engagement Lead
Hannah Williams: hannah99@uw.edu
Curriculum & Operations Lead
Natalie Au: nau01@uw.edu
Research & Policy Projects Lead
Luke Maeda: lmaeda23@uw.edu
Do I need prior policy experience?
No. Students of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply.
Do I need to be interested in Family Medicine?
No. The program welcomes students interested in all specialties.
How much time does the program require?
Students should expect to attend monthly sessions, spend time with pre meeting reading material and participate in a longitudinal project throughout the academic year.
Is there a capstone project?
Yes. Students work individually or in teams to complete a research, policy, advocacy, or systems-improvement project.
Applications for the inaugural cohort will open on July 19th and close on August 21, 2026. Please use the link below during this time frame to apply.
Interested students can join our mailing list or contact the leadership team for more information.
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON: APPLY