Aurora Health Care Program

The Aurora Health Care Internal Medicine Residency is recognized as a preeminent university-affiliated and community-based program designed to cultivate skilled Internal Medicine physicians. It offers a supportive and challenging learning environment, emphasizing a diverse patient base, strong clinical programs, and dedicated faculty, facilitating exceptional training in primary care, hospital medicine, and subspecialty fellowship.

Program Mission and Vision

The mission of the Aurora Health Care Internal Medicine Residency is to recruit and train a diverse group of physicians who are skilled at delivering high-quality, equitable, and compassionate care to adult patients, regardless of demographics or health conditions. The program emphasizes interpersonal relationships and a culture that values diversity and resident well-being while maintaining high academic standards 1.

Culture and Environment

The learning environment at Aurora is characterized by an emphasis on holistic development. Recruitment strategies prioritize cultural fit, and there are established mentoring processes to ensure regular engagement between residents and faculty mentors. Monthly listening sessions foster resident involvement in leadership decisions, enhancing a culture of collaboration and respect among staff and trainees 1.

Aurora Health Care boasts a unique dual-hospital system, enabling residents to experience a comprehensive spectrum of Internal Medicine practice. The placement in both urban settings and a rural referral center allows residents to engage with a diverse patient demographic, accommodating both cutting-edge treatments and traditional practices 1.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum is tailored to meet the goals of each resident, starting with an intensive apprenticeship model where new interns operate with reduced workloads under the supervision of experienced residents. The program features several core rotations, including inpatient services, critical care, and subspecialty consultations across both Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center 1. Each intern and resident is integrated into a continuity clinic that builds long-term relationships with patients.

In addition, second-year residents can expect specialized training in Point-of-Care Ultrasound and Business of Medicine, enhancing their clinical and management competencies. Rotations allow for exposure to a wide array of specialties and elective opportunities tailored to residents’ interests, making them well-prepared for both clinical practice and fellowship applications 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the Aurora Internal Medicine Residency. Residents are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, with access to resources such as an animal lab and the Center for Urban Population Studies. The program supports a collaborative research environment with opportunities to involve residents in presenting at national meetings and contributing to publications through quarterly journals 1. This active involvement in research enables residents to develop critical thinking and inquiry skills essential for a successful career.

Training Sites

Residents train in two well-established medical centers in Milwaukee: Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. Aurora St. Luke's is known for its recognition in various specialties, including cardiology, and serves a large patient demographic, while Aurora Sinai focuses on community engagement and addressing healthcare disparities 1.

Fellowships

Aurora Health Care offers a robust fellowship pipeline across multiple specialties, including Cardiology, Critical Care Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics, where training is aligned with leading clinical practices and research initiatives <1. Many residents successfully transition to prestigious fellowship opportunities post-residency 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the residency program are typically required to submit a comprehensive application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by November 1st. Documents should include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, and a performance evaluation letter among others 1. The program is notably competitive and welcomes diverse candidates including Graduates of International Medical Schools and DOs, though specific requirements such as maximum failed STEP exams are not publicly stated 1.

Visa Sponsorship

Aurora Health Care residency program does not sponsor H or J visas through ECFMG. This may impact international applicants' ability to secure a position in the program 1.

Salary and Benefits

Residents are offered a competitive salary along with comprehensive health coverage for themselves and eligible dependents, alongside various other benefits. The exact salary figures are aligned with national residency standards 1.