Aurora Health Care (Milwaukee) Program

Overview of the Aurora Family Medicine Residency Program

The Aurora Family Medicine Residency Program is a dually-accredited residency, offering comprehensive training for aspiring family physicians. Established in 1974, this program is recognized for its commitment to excellence in patient-centered care, particularly focusing on population health, community medicine, and integrative practices. The program aims to produce family physicians who can thrive in diverse healthcare environments.

The program works closely with the UW School of Medicine and the University of Arizona, providing residents access to extensive academic resources and clinical training sites. The integration of community medicine and public health is a core aspect of the training, positioning graduates to meet the healthcare needs of underserved populations.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to deliver a well-rounded education through longitudinal continuity clinic experiences, core rotations, and elective opportunities. Core rotations encompass inpatient medicine across various specialties including pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency medicine. Residents can engage in over 20 elective opportunities tailored to individual interests, which facilitates exposure to different facets of family medicine.

The Community Health, Advocacy, and Managing Populations (CHAMP) curriculum is a hallmark of the training, helping residents develop essential skills in community health and advocacy. The Future Family Physicians (FFP) series focuses on honing competencies critical for managing patient panels and improving quality outcomes in healthcare.

Training Sites

The residency uses five primary clinics located throughout the Greater Milwaukee Area as training grounds for residents. Each clinic is staffed with dedicated faculty members and provides robust models of outpatient care and integrated services:

• Aurora St. Luke’s Family Practice Center: A flagship clinic for its commitment to comprehensive education.
• Aurora Sinai Family Care Center: A site focused on serving diverse populations reflective of Milwaukee's socio-economic landscape.
• Aurora Wiselives Center for Wellbeing: Offers integrative medicine services including acupuncture and chiropractic care.
• Aurora Midtown Health Center: Caters to a predominantly African-American community with an emphasis on chronic disease management.
• Aurora Walker’s Point Community Clinic: Provides interdisciplinary education and care to a primarily Spanish-speaking population.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in scholarly activities and research, fostering an environment of continuous learning and inquiry. Opportunities for research may include community health initiatives and population health studies, aligning with the mission of improving healthcare delivery and health equity.

Resident Life

Residents hail from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of perspectives to the program. The program promotes a supportive collegial environment where residents can thrive academically and personally. Regular interactions through Q&A sessions and resident coffee chats allow prospective applicants to gain real insights into the residency experience, expectations, and camaraderie among peers.

Application Process

To apply to the Aurora Family Medicine Residency Program, candidates must submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Key application documents include a personal statement, curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts.

Applicants are preferred who have passed USMLE/COMLEX Steps 1 and 2 on their first attempt, graduated from medical school within a year, and possess strong communication skills. Opportunities for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) include ECFMG certification requirements and certain residency positions being available for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents only. The program does provide visa sponsorship for eligible applicants.

Salary and Benefits

The residency offers competitive salaries along with comprehensive health benefits for residents and eligible dependents. Additional perks include educational stipends and opportunities for personal and professional development throughout training.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The Aurora Family Medicine Residency Program is considered competitive yet welcoming to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and those from diverse backgrounds. The program actively seeks to grow its resident and faculty cohort to better reflect the community it serves, thereby advocating health equity and social justice in healthcare.