The University of Idaho Student Health Center reopened at the start of 2025 following a semester-long closure during the fall.
Having closed due to remodeling, the renovations upgraded the building’s original floor plan from 1923, improving accessibility and hospitality.
The health center was previously operated as a branch of Gritman Medical Center. The organization is now under the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho School of Medicine partnership. UI’s medical program has been a WWAMI partner since 1972.
The change in organizational structure allows for an experience targeted at the students, including the decor. Art and Architecture students will paint a Vandal-themed mural over the summer, one of many additions meant to “Vandalize the place,” as Operations Manager Anita Packwood put it.
Under this new system, it will be easier for medical students to earn their clinical hours through shadowing appointments or practicing under medical provider supervision. Patient permission is needed for either to occur.
New medical equipment was also purchased, including a digital scale and blood pressure monitor. Vision 2050, the university’s long term development track, seeks to have all student health services in a single building. With the anticipation of moving to a new building, the health center purchased movable medical equipment.
Two primary healthcare providers are on staff including Dr. Charla Willis, who works as a part-time provider and a part-time WWAMI professor, and Sheila Price, a full-time nurse practitioner. There is an ongoing search for a third.
The Student Health Center offers primary care, walk-ins, preventive care and minor procedures akin to other medical facilities. Packwood recommends students visit for common colds, medical checks, physical exams or stitches. The health center’s other features include medical counseling, reproductive health services and STD testing.
Starting in the fall 2025 semester, common vaccines will be offered. The health center will also host the vaccine clinic event run by Vandal Health Education. The event was previously held at the Student Recreation Center.
It is a student’s choice to visit the health center or another facility. Packwood still invites students to “come and see us; we’re here to help.”
For more extreme injuries such as fevers above 103 degrees Fahrenheit or broken bones, students should visit Gritman or another hospital with an emergency department.
Appointments can be made over the phone, in person or on the clinic patient portal. All UI students already have an account that can be accessed through their school email and password. It is necessary to fill out a medical history and consent form before the first appointment.
The health center accepts most in-network insurance. The price of a copay depends on the insurance. Packwood has seen a range between $25 and $70. For those using the Student Health Insurance Program, the copay is $25.
The Vandal Health Clinic is located at 831 Ash St, Moscow, ID 83843. Be sure to use the west entrance facing the Life Sciences South building.
Joshua Reisenfeld can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.