As of July 2025, Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) is helping expand Alaska’s physician workforce by training doctors right here on the Kenai Peninsula. Through a partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine, CPH serves as the primary training site for a rural internal medicine residency program focused on improving access to care and the long-term availability of doctors in Alaska communities. Firsthand experience Rather than relying only on recruiting physicians from outside, this program helps develop doctors who learn and practice medicine right here at CPH. Studies show that physicians are more likely to stay and practice in communities similar to where they train. The program helps build a steady pipeline of doctors who understand rural health care, our local patients and the value of community-based care. More access to care For patients, the benefits are clear. Resident physicians work side-by-side with experienced, board-certified doctors to care for patients both in and out of the hospital. At Central Peninsula Internal Medicine, many patients will see the Central Peninsula Internal Medicine 247 Fireweed St., Soldotna 907-714-5730 | pim.cpgh.org Residency program trains doctors locally same resident over time, supported closely by supervising physicians. This approach helps strengthen relationships, improves continuity of care and ensures that patients receive timely attention close to home, which is especially important as the Kenai Peninsula’s population continues to age. Dedicated leaders The program is guided by physicians who are deeply committed to rural medicine and teaching. Gail Pokorney, MD, FACP, Director of the University of Washington–Alaska Internal Medicine Rural Residency Program, dreamed of practicing medicine in rural Alaska as a medical student. She brings an appreciation for the hands-on care and the close teamwork that small communities make possible. She is joined by Megan RoosenRunge, MD, MPH, the Soldotna-based rural site director for the program. Dr. Roosen-Runge first came to the Kenai Peninsula as a visiting resident and quickly realized it was the kind of place she wanted to live and practice in long-term. She has a deep affinity for small-town medicine and the lasting relationships that form between patients and their physicians. Looking to the future Across the country, rural communities face growing shortages of doctors. Programs like this one help address that challenge by training physicians in the communities they may one day call home. CPH’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to caring for local patients today while helping build strong health care for our future. Gail Pokorney, MD, FACP Megan RoosenRunge, MD, MPH 6 Central Peninsula Hospital
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