Dr. Alissa P. Craft, DO, has joined Samaritan Health Services (SHS) as the Director of Medical Education. She has both research and practical experience, with a specialty in neonatal-perinatal medicine.

Dr. Craft will be instrumental in preparing Corvallis-based internal medicine, family medicine and psychiatry residency programs to welcome students in July 2009. She will work with health care professionals in the Pacific Northwest and officials at Western University of Health Sciences in California.

"We have all been eager to see this key position filled as soon as possible, and are delighted to now have a leader of Dr. Craft's caliber in place who will advance the program's implementation and manage for its continuing success," said SHS President/CEO Larry Mullins.

Dr. Craft earned her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., a medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Mo., and an MBA from University of Phoenix in San Diego, Calif. She completed her internship and residency at Phoenix Children's Hospital and Maricopa Medical Center and later completed her fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at the University of California, San Diego. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine.

"I am excited to be a part of building a complete medical education program; combining health care research and quality improvement to educate a future generation of physicians who will provide safer and more efficient care all over the world," said Craft.