Ascension Wisconsin Program

Welcome to the Ascension Wisconsin Family Medicine Residency Program. The program offers a unique "Build Your Own Adventure" model, allowing residents to tailor their educational experience to meet their individual professional goals. As a newer program with a rich history, the residency emphasizes a combination of academic rigor and community service, deeply rooted in the Milwaukee community since 1972. The primary training site, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, provides a comprehensive clinical experience alongside collaboration with multiple Ascension facilities in the area.

The program is committed to health equity and community medicine, fostering partnerships with various local organizations to address healthcare gaps. This focus equips residents with the skills necessary to become outstanding family medicine physicians while promoting personal wellness and self-care. A unique feature of the program is the opportunity for residents to participate in an inpatient pediatric rotation at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, which is fully supported by the residency.

The Ascension Villard Avenue Family Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility, provides an environment conducive to both learning and patient care. Amenities include an Epic Electronic Medical Record system, secure on-site parking, spacious conference rooms, resident offices, a lounge, a fitness room, teaching kitchen, fitness track, and an on-site greenhouse. These resources ensure that residents have the support and facilities they need throughout their training.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum at the Ascension Wisconsin Family Medicine Residency is structured to provide a comprehensive experience across different specialties, progressing through three years of training. During the first year, residents engage in key rotations such as Adult Medicine, Maternal Child Health, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Community Medicine, and Emergency Medicine.

In the second year, residents continue with Adult Medicine and Emergency Medicine while also participating in rotations including Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Orthopedics, Cardiology, and Behavioral Health. The third year focuses on ambulatory practice and prepares residents for independent practice, featuring extensive elective options that cater to individual interests.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Ascension, the program’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is vital in addressing healthcare disparities. The ABIDE framework (Appreciation, Belongingness, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity) supports a culture where each resident's background is valued. The residents actively engage with diverse patient populations speaking various languages and work on initiatives addressing social determinants of health.

Collaboration with local organizations helps to address food insecurity, providing food boxes to patients in need. This hands-on experience in community engagement is an essential aspect of residency training.

Faculty and Leadership

The faculty at Ascension Wisconsin Family Medicine Residency is dedicated to fostering a culture of inquiry, wellness, and shared success. The Program Director, with extensive experience in academic medicine and community health initiatives, leads the curriculum development to ensure it meets the evolving needs of residents and their future patients.

The faculty includes specialists in various fields of medicine, ensuring a well-rounded educational environment that emphasizes innovative practices and the importance of holistic patient care.

Salary and Benefits

The residency offers competitive compensation and various benefits. Residents receive a pay structure increasing annually, starting at $70,544 for PGY1, with additional allowances for educational activities. Financial support for Continuing Medical Education (CME) is also provided, alongside generous time-off policies for personal wellness and academic pursuits.

Additional benefits include malpractice insurance, disability coverage, life insurance, and health benefits. Each resident is provided with a laptop and has access to necessary resources for their education and personal development, contributing to a supportive residency environment.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is compliant with visa sponsorship requirements and can support J-1 and H-1B visa applications, making it accessible to international medical graduates. Prospective applicants should ensure compliance with special application requirements, including graduation year and STEP examination policies, which may affect competitive positioning in the application process.

The Ascension Wisconsin Family Medicine residency program welcomes applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants, fostering a diverse cohort and enriching the learning environment.