Iliuliuk Family & Health Services (IFHS) was recently given an award for Outstanding Service and Dedication for their training of medical students. A. T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA), granted the award after the school received a lot of positive feedback from students regarding their training and experience at the clinic in Unalaska. ATSU-SOMA and Northwest Regional Primary Care Association is a regional health campus serving health centers in multiple states including Alaska. 

Along with the award, ATSU-SOMA stated, “We would like to thank you for your dedication to teaching our osteopathic medical students. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with regards to the level and nature of focused training, done with compassion and patience. We have specifically selected you to receive this award as a symbol of your contribution to the medical education field. Thank you for providing superb educational experience for our students and we look forward to continue working with you in the future.”

Family Nurse Practitioner Laura Ballou, as well as Physician Assistants Kim Cray, Lisa Hansen, and Joshua Hansen, supervised the students that came through the clinic and helped them with their  technical skills. They worked on the teaching program with staff and residents to ensure that participants had a great clinical and social experience. IFHS typically trains about 14-20 students each year.  

Some management changes are currently underway at Iliuliuk Family & Health Services. Dr. Ann Nora Ehret is the new medical director, and Dr. Greg Culver is returning as a medical specialty consultant. Former physicians assistant Kiels Kitchen has signed a contract to return in April. Additionally, Dr. David Baines is taking over as IFHS’s medical consultant after Dr. Don Hudson retires from the position. 

A goodbye potluck was held on Friday, November 22^nd to honor Dr. Hudson’s service to the community during his 33 year residency in Unalaska. Fire Chief Abner Hoage presented Hudson with a firefighter's helmet signed by all the members of the department. Hudson was also given an art piece depicting the Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church from IFHS clinic staff, and a jacket and hat from Unisea Safety & Security. Finally, Michelle Cochran spoke on behalf of the IFHS Board of Directors and presented Hudson with a plaque of recognition and a proclamation with the history of the clinic. A duplicate copy of the proclamation is available to the community and can be viewed on the wall at Iliuliuk Family & Health Services.