Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (Northeastern Wisconsin) Program

The Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Psychiatry Residency Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is designed to prepare residents to address the mental health needs of patients, particularly in rural settings. The program emphasizes a community education focus, ensuring that residents acquire both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in diverse geographic areas.

The program, which graduated its first class in 2021, aims to increase the availability of psychiatrists in rural Wisconsin. Most graduates have chosen to work locally, fulfilling the program's mission of enhancing mental health care in less populated areas. The faculty actively involve residents in shaping their training experiences to promote individualized learning opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum integrates various aspects of psychiatric training, focusing on competency in psychiatric symptom identification and mental health diagnostics, alongside therapeutic interventions. It emphasizes ethical standards and self-improvement strategies among residents, preparing them to advocate for their patients effectively. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team is a critical component, promoting a holistic approach to mental health care delivery.

Unique Training Opportunities

The residency program features:

• Access to faculty from local sites and collaboration with sister programs in Milwaukee and Central Wisconsin.
• Child & adolescent psychiatry exposure with both inpatient and outpatient experiences.
• Eighty major health system experiences.
• A year-long elective period in the PGY-4 year, allowing residents to tailor their learning.
• Clinical research opportunities with local sites as well as the potential to engage in larger research projects.
• Teaching opportunities for medical students during various psychiatric rotations.

Clinical Training Sites

Residents rotate through a diverse set of training sites that represent various mental health care systems, including:

• Bellin Health: A private psychiatric facility providing inpatient and outpatient services.
• Brown County Community Treatment Center: Offers comprehensive programming for adults with mental health needs.
• Milo C. Huempfner VA Health Care Center: One of the largest VA outpatient clinics, offering extensive behavioral health services.
• Prevea Health: Provides outpatient mental health services across multiple locations.
• Rogers Behavioral Health: Specializes in treatment for various mental health conditions.
• ThedaCare Behavioral Health: A community health system offering a full range of mental health services.
• Winnebago Mental Health Institute: A state-operated psychiatric hospital specializing in complex psychiatric conditions.
• Wisconsin Resource Center: Provides mental health treatment within a correctional setting.

Application Requirements

The application process for the NEW Psychiatry Residency Program involves several key requirements:

• A completed ERAS application and a CV.
• Three letters of recommendation and a dean's letter.
• USMLE or COMLEX transcripts, with scores considered but no specific cutoff required for interview selection.
• Clinical experience in the US healthcare system is mandatory.
• For IMGs, passing scores on both Step 1 & 2 are required, with Step 3 completion preferred for interview consideration.

Candidates with prior licensing exam failures are considered, provided subsequent passing scores are achieved. All USMLE Steps must be passed within a 10-year timeframe for Wisconsin licensure.

Visa Support

The program supports applicants for H-1B and J-1 visa types. To be eligible, candidates must qualify for an appropriate visa necessary to commence their graduate medical education with the Medical College of Wisconsin. Failure to acquire the required visa by the designated start date may lead to loss of the training position.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Northeastern Wisconsin Psychiatry Residency Program welcomes a diverse range of candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. The program's structure and community focus make it particularly appealing to individuals seeking a supportive and adaptable training environment. Prospective applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their passion for mental health advocacy and community involvement in their applications.

Resident Experience and Outcomes

The current residents have successfully engaged with the community and the program aims to maintain a significant percentage of graduates working within the state. With 100% of graduates staying in Wisconsin, 93% moving into rural areas, and 87% employed in MCW-affiliated hospitals, the residency is committed to fostering long-term connections between residents and the communities they serve.