Graduations and Events
CWFMR graduates are currently providing excellent medical care to thousands of patients! The majority of our graduates each year elect to practice medicine in the Pacific Northwest and we are very pleased with this outcome. Several graduates each year elect to enter Fellowship Programs and this year was no exception, with two of our own beginning fellowships in Obstetrics and Palliative Care. We take pride in celebrating these achievements as well as enjoying the company of each other.
Spending Time Together
Like many residencies our residents have dedicated time to socialize and get to know each other. Because our location provides easy access to snow covered mountains and skiing, residents have a snow day retreat each winter, and typically our incoming class floats the Yakima river during Orientation. Hiking is also frequent and a regular resident small group activity. Our Graduation Celebration is always a community celebration that includes residents, families, organization staff, leadership, and our community supporters and volunteers.
Resident Hike 2021
Our incoming residents had an opportunity to see some of the wilderness outside of Ellensburg and participated in a group hike led by Brian, from the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This 1.8 mile loop trail to Table Mountain in Kittitas County, is in an area that experienced a severe wildfire in 2012. The majority of its trees died in this fire; however, there are currently an abundance of lodgepole pine seedlings that have established and grown to 3-6 feet in height.
The area is important summer range for the Colockum elk herd and is also the headwaters of Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek flows into the Kittitas Valley and connects with the Yakima River between Ellensburg and Yakima.
In addition to a wonderful hike, residents learned about the importance of management in moving our local forests toward health and resiliency.
Residents also drove to Lion’s Rock, an exceptional vista at 6350 feet with amazing views of the Cascades and Stuart Mountain Ranges.
2021 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our Class of 2021 Residents! We had a wonderful (and intimate) graduation ceremony at the beautiful Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima.
Talking Stick Ceremony 2021
The talking stick is used in many parts of the world to foster equal and fair communication. In parts of Africa, and among native peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the stick is often carved and decorated beautifully. Only the person holding the stick is allowed to speak, others are silent, and it is passed around the circle until all are heard. In particularly contentious discussions the stick may be passed around the circle several times.
The CHCW Talking Stick tradition was started years ago as a way to celebrate our graduating residents while also welcoming our incoming residents. The CWFM talking stick is a simple wooden fetoscope; lovely and traditional, it represents our care of families and of each other. Graduates share their wisdom and interns share their hopes, without interruption or dialogue.
Annual Program Review 2021
Having a voice in residency programming is important and CWFMR is taking it seriously. Our Chief Residents, under the direction of Associate Program Director, Caitlin Hill, MD did an amazing job organizing and facilitating this all-day event.
It was very beneficial to hear the perspectives of staff from scheduling and credentialing, as well as historical and current resident experiences represented. The information gathered will be used to enhance or adjust curriculum, be synthesized and included with other evaluative data for the Annual Program Evaluation Committee meeting, and be used by our Program Director, in the annual ACGME letter.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
Our Ellensburg Clinic had an ugly Christmas Sweater Contest – here are staff, faculty, and residents flaunting their best sweaters!
Halloween Contest
Here are some awesome pictures of our latest costume contest!
Talking Stick Ceremony 2020
The talking stick is used in many parts of the world to foster equal and fair communication. In parts of Africa, and among native peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the stick is often carved and decorated beautifully. Only the person holding the stick is allowed to speak, others are silent, and it is passed around the circle until all are heard. In particularly contentious discussions the stick may be passed around the circle several times.
The CHCW Talking Stick tradition was started years ago as a way to celebrate our graduating residents while also welcoming our incoming residents. The CWFM talking stick is a simple wooden fetoscope; lovely and traditional, it represents our care of families and of each other. Graduates share their wisdom and interns share their hopes, without interruption or dialogue.
Faculty & Resident Snow Day Retreat 2020
Each year in late winter the faculty and residents take a day to retreat up to the snowy mountains of White Pass. This retreat day is a valuable bonding time for everyone. Several activities are enjoyed by all on this day such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, playing board games, or simply hanging out in the lodge and spending time together. The time is meant for each person to truly retreat and enjoy the day for themselves and with others, whatever that looks like, whether it’s taking a nap and taking it easy or taking part in all the activities offered.
Resident Hike 2020
Our incoming residents had an opportunity to see some of the wilderness outside of Ellensburg and participated in a group hike led by Brian, from the Department of Fish and Wildlife..
This 1.8 mile loop trail to Table Mountain in Kittitas County, is in an area that experienced a severe wildfire in 2012. The majority of its trees died in this fire; however, there are currently an abundance of lodgepole pine seedlings that have established and grown to 3-6 feet in height.
The area is important summer range for the Colockum elk herd and is also the headwaters of Wilson Creek. Wilson Creek flows into the Kittitas Valley and connects with the Yakima River between Ellensburg and Yakima.
In addition to a wonderful hike, residents learned about the importance of management in moving our local forests toward health and resiliency.
Residents also drove to Lion’s Rock, an exceptional vista at 6350 feet with amazing views of the Cascades and Stuart Mountain Ranges.
2020 Graduation Celebration
Given the pandemic, this year’s graduation party was a little different. While social distancing, we were able to celebrate together to hear each other’s stories, and enjoy one last reunion before providing excellent medical care to thousands of patients!
2019 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our 2019 Graduates!
2018 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our 2018 Graduates!
2017 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our 2017 Graduates!
2016 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our 2016 Graduates!
2015 Graduation Celebration
Congratulations to our 2015 Graduates!
20th Reunion Gathering
We had a wonderful 20th Reunion Gathering
