Medical Student Clerkship

Medical students doing clerkships at the clinic tend to function at an advanced level of independence. They are at all times in direct contact with eager supervision, but independent thinking is encouraged. The day provides a brisk mix of medical problems, and a hearty patient load.

An emergency room services the island population. The volunteer ambulance EMT crew brings in patients and also helps with after hours care for serious cases. Daytime staff members are called in as needed, and medical students help in many capacities. Students can go on medevacs to the nearby island city of Ketchikan if they wish, which is done by fishing boat or float plane.

The Health Center is staffed by Registered Nurses and Alaska trained Health Aides. Currently four providers are present - two Physician Assistants and two Board Certified Family Physicians. There is also a full modern dental department which is staffed by two dentists when available.

As part of the overall care plan "Annette Island Service Unit... We Care", medical students are especially welcomed to the village. They add a fresh academic reach to the broad range of services that are provided. The community of about twelve hundred channel through the clinic with almost all of their health care needs. Referral sites are readily in contact by phone, boat, and air.

The Metlakatla Experience

A part of the medical experience is the cultural reflections that come with caring for these people and their families. At the Long House there is still native dancing, and an artist's village with Metlakatla made crafts can be explored.

Hiking, mountain climbing, fishing and hunting are popular activities. This area of the world is the foremost fishing grounds for King Salmon. The weather is rainy with periodic winds to seventy miles an hour and up but there is very little snow and on sunny days you can step out to catch your glimpses of the eagles, seals, otters, whales, and the majestic mountain scenery.

A well-stocked grocery store is available as well as DVDs and a few native-owned shops.

If you come to Metlakatla be prepared for a lively Family Practice exercise and a visionary sampling of an original American culture.