Aurora Health Care (Elkhorn) Program

The Aurora Health Care Rural Family Medicine Residency program is designed to prepare residents to practice full-spectrum family medicine independently and competently. The program is particularly focused on serving underserved populations, providing comprehensive training in a variety of medical settings.

Program Overview

The residency consists of three years where the first year (PGY1) is spent in Milwaukee, primarily on inpatient rotations, while the second and third years (PGY2 and PGY3) take place at the Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. This structured yet flexible approach allows residents to gain a broad exposure to various family medicine practices, while also fostering an understanding of the specific healthcare needs in rural settings1.

Curriculum

The residency curriculum integrates diverse inpatient and outpatient rotations. Residents participate in a continuity clinic throughout all three years at the Aurora Lakeland Family Medicine Clinic, where they hone their skills in outpatient care, disease prevention, and practice management. The faculty prioritize hands-on learning and provide ongoing feedback to help residents improve their clinical competencies1.

The program also emphasizes scholarly research, requiring residents to complete two scholarly projects during their training—a quality improvement project and a resident-chosen project that can focus on various healthcare experiences in the local community.1

Training Sites

The primary training site for the residency is the Aurora Lakeland Family Medicine Clinic, located within the Aurora Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn. This clinic serves as the residency practice site for all three years of training, giving residents consistent access to the necessary clinical resources and support8.

In addition to the main site, residents spend their first year at facilities including Aurora St. Luke’s, Aurora Sinai, and Children's Hospitals, allowing them to experience a wider range of services and patient demographics during their initial training year.5

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research, and they must complete a quality improvement project related to their residency practice. This focus on research is coupled with opportunities to explore community medicine projects, enriching the learning experience and contributing to the local health system.1

Faculty

The faculty at the Aurora Rural Family Medicine Residency come from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Faculty members are deeply involved in both teaching and clinical practice, fostering strong mentor-mentee relationships that enhance the educational process. The faculty are affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, providing residents access to a robust academic framework and additional resources for their training.3

Application Requirements

To be considered for the program, applicants must meet certain criteria. These include being a graduate of an accredited medical school, having passed the USMLE/COMLEX Steps 1 and 2 in one attempt, and submitting a complete application through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Applications must include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, and a performance evaluation. Candidates who graduated within the last two years are given preference.4

Special application attention is also provided to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. International medical graduates must hold a current valid ECFMG certificate to be eligible.1

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates (IMGs) by sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for residency training in the United States.4

Community Involvement and Resident Life

Residents are actively engaged in the community, participating in volunteer activities and various outreach programs. Regular social events, retreats, and conferences are also organized to promote camaraderie among residents, enhancing their overall residency experience.7

The environment at Aurora Health Care promotes both professional development and personal well-being, encouraging residents to maintain a balanced lifestyle while they pursue their medical careers.