Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation Program

The Family Medicine Residency Program at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation is a three-year training program designed to equip residents with the skills necessary to deliver comprehensive care across various healthcare settings. Situated in the beautiful Driftless region of La Crosse, Wisconsin, the program emphasizes a unique rural focus, enabling residents to gain experience in both urban and rural healthcare environments. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to serve patients of all ages.

Program Structure

The residency admits six new physicians annually, fostering a close-knit community with a total of 18 residents at any given time. This structure supports a collaborative learning atmosphere, essential for training family physicians capable of handling diverse medical issues.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is comprehensive and tailored to provide robust training in various core medical disciplines, such as ambulatory care, inpatient medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Additionally, residents have the flexibility to choose from numerous electives to further customize their training based on individual career aspirations 1.

Clinical Experience

Residents participate in outpatient procedures, sports medicine, substance use disorder management, and gender-affirming care. The continuity clinic allows residents to build long-term relationships with patients, further reinforcing their learning and knowledge of patient care.

Core Rotations

The program includes essential rotations covering various disciplines, ensuring residents develop well-rounded clinical skills. These rotations comprise emergency medicine, internal medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, obstetrics, and more, preparing residents to handle acute and chronic illnesses confidently 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the residency, with residents required to engage in at least two scholarly projects, one of which must focus on quality improvement initiatives. The residency program supports research by providing access to biostatisticians and a wealth of healthcare data, thereby enabling residents to contribute to advancements in healthcare delivery 3.

Supportive Environment

The program promotes wellness and personal growth throughout residency. Efforts to foster a supportive environment include affordable housing located near the medical center, organized wellness activities, and flexible schedules that prioritize personal wellness and family time 4.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Gundersen’s Family Medicine Residency Program collaborates closely with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, providing faculty members with academic appointments and creating numerous educational opportunities through shared curriculum and clinical rotations 5. This partnership enhances the training experience by exposing residents to a wider array of educational resources and faculty expertise.

Diversity and Inclusiveness

The program prioritizes diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applicants from both allopathic and osteopathic backgrounds. The residency is particularly friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates must hold ECFMG certification, have passed the USMLE or COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 within a maximum of two attempts, and maintain current compliance with their ECFMG status report 6.

Visa Support

The Gundersen Family Medicine Residency is committed to supporting a diverse applicant pool. The program sponsors H1 and J1 visas for applicants, facilitating opportunities for international medical graduates to participate and enrich the residency experience 7.

Competitiveness

The residency program is competitive, attracting candidates with a strong commitment to family medicine and a passion for serving underserved communities. The selection process looks for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and the ability to function effectively within a team 8.

Resident Life

The Gundersen residency offers a fulfilling resident life marked by camaraderie, professional growth, and community involvement. Residents benefit from a variety of social activities, community service opportunities, and a supportive network that emphasizes teamwork and collective well-being 9. This approach not only enhances the educational experience but also facilitates life-long connections.

Program Benefits

The benefits of the residency program include not only competitive compensation and support for educational activities but also structured mentorship from experienced faculty and opportunities for both professional and personal development.