One of the hardest things a young adult can do is go to the doctor. It's intimidating, overwhelming, and honestly just confusing. However, moving past that hesitation is an essential barrier to break through. Doctors and healthcare providers are here for a reason: they support you in true emergencies just as much as during routine checkups. From unexpected injuries to standard cold symptoms, Pullman Regional Hospital is right here for Washington State University students and the surrounding community.
Did you know that Pullman Regional Hospital is currently undergoing an expansive phase of growth? The hospital is working hard to add new networks, resources, clinical spaces, and physicians to further assist the entire Palouse community (yes, that includes students living away from home!).
Healthcare independence is a major milestone of early adulthood, yet many college students still wait for winter or summer break to address nagging health concerns. Putting care off until you travel home isn't the only option. Advocating for your well-being starts by knowing what care is available right where you live.
I sat down with Dr. Shaunicy Knudson, a first-year family medicine resident physician at the Family Medicine Residency Center who is passionate about building long-term relationships with patients. What makes family medicine unique is the opportunity for continuous, trusting care over time. I asked Dr. Knudson for her biggest advice for young adults navigating healthcare independently:
“This is an important time to establish a relationship with a provider. It can feel challenging to take ownership, but being in control of your healthcare is essential. Begin setting up preventative lifestyle choices now.”
Her primary recommendation for students learning the healthcare system is to understand the three distinct “buckets” of care:
- Emergency Care: Immediate evaluation of acute, life-threatening conditions or severe injuries.
- Examples: Severe head trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, sudden shortness of breath, sudden chest pain.
- Urgent Care: Same-day attention for acute illnesses or injuries that require prompt relief but aren't life-threatening.
- Examples: Minor fractures, sprained ankles, painful cuts, needing stitches, ear infections, or sudden fevers.
- Primary Care: Ongoing care, preventive screenings, routine maintenance, and advice from a provider who knows your baseline health.
- Examples: Annual wellness exams, birth control consultations, prescription refills, allergy management, and baseline lab work.
Understanding which door to walk through matters, but establishing an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider offers long-term reassurance. A simple first step is talking with your family to map out your medical background; this gives your provider a massive head start in keeping you healthy. When a provider knows your history and health journey, they can tailor solutions directly to you.
That proactive support extends to mental health as well. College transitions and young adulthood can bring intense pressure. Conditions like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or burnout are completely valid reasons to schedule a visit. If you are struggling to manage overwhelming feelings, wondering whether therapy or medication could help, or experiencing a crisis, providers at PRH can connect you with compassionate, confidential evaluation and treatment plans. You do not have to struggle in silence or wait until finals week to reach out.
For acute crises, the Emergency Department team is always available. Dr. Pete Mikkelson, Pullman Regional Hospital Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Medicine Physician and the ED staff encourage students never to second-guess seeking immediate attention:
“If it feels like you should come to the Emergency Department, then there is a reasonable chance that you should.”
The Emergency Department acts as a safety net. Concerns about billing, coverage details, or complex personal situations should never stop you from seeking life-saving or urgent help; those details are sorted out afterward. Notably, Pullman Regional Hospital maintains a “left without being seen” rate of less than 1%, reflecting a commitment to evaluating patients as efficiently and thoroughly as possible.
The Emergency Department is also a safe, judgment-free space if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault. PRH has a specialized, trained team ready to provide confidential medical care, testing, and emotional support. Timely care is so important for your health and safety, please know you can come in right away.
Between words like "copay," "deductible," and "in-network," figuring out medical bills can feel super confusing. Pullman Regional Hospital will help you make sense of this process. Check out our guide to insurance, billing, and hospital terminology!
Taking charge of your health can feel intimidating, but showing up for yourself is the most important adult decision you’ll make. Pullman Regional Hospital is here to help all students on the Palouse.
About the author:
Riley Wolanzyk is a senior studying public relations and business administration at Washington State University. Passionate about healthcare, community engagement, and education, Riley serves as an intern at Pullman Regional Hospital and is the current Vice President of Philanthropy & Service for the WSU Panhellenic Executive Council.
