The Adolescent Medicine Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) offers a comprehensive fellowship that addresses the unique health needs of adolescents. This medically diverse age group faces challenges that require specialized care due to their ongoing physical development, emotional well-being, and social influences. The program focuses on delivering outstanding clinical care, developing new healthcare providers, and contributing to research aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes.

The fellowship is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare physicians for board certification in Adolescent Medicine. It provides training for those who have completed residency in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine, and embraces an integrated curriculum that emphasizes both clinical and academic excellence.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to support the development of clinical proficiency, research acumen, and leadership skills essential for the future of healthcare in adolescent medicine. Each year of training is tailored to build on the fellows' experiences to cultivate expert level management of adolescent patients.

Year One

The first year emphasizes honing clinical skills with fellows spending significant time in outpatient clinics. They will participate in numerous clinical experiences at various training sites, including the Children’s Wisconsin Adolescent Medicine Clinic and Midtown Clinic. This includes managing cases related to eating disorders, gynecological concerns, and primary care. Fellows are expected to maintain a continuity panel of patients while also engaging in didactic learning experiences.

Year Two

The second year allows fellows to deepen their clinical skills while focusing on research methodologies and teaching responsibilities. Regular attendance at professional conferences and workshops is encouraged, alongside a strong mentorship relationship aimed at assisting with scholarly projects.

Year Three

During the final year, the fellows can exercise leadership roles in clinical settings and are responsible for supervising junior medical personnel. They are expected to submit research findings for publication in medical journals and present at professional meetings, reinforcing both educational and practical expertise within the community.

Rotations and Training Sites

The Adolescent Medicine fellowship utilizes various clinical sites to provide a well-rounded exposure to adolescent health care. Key rotation sites include:

• Children's Wisconsin Adolescent Medicine Clinic
• Midtown Clinic-Children's Wisconsin
• Juvenile Detention Center
• School-Based health centers
• Eating Disorder Programs

These sites allow fellows to engage with adolescent patients in various healthcare settings, enriching their training by addressing the diverse needs of youth across socioeconomic backgrounds.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research and scholarly activities, providing structured support to fellows in designing and implementing their projects. Fellows are encouraged to develop research questions based on their clinical interests and present their findings at national conferences.

Diversity and Inclusivity Initiatives

MCW is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Within the Adolescent Medicine Program, there are multiple initiatives to ensure that health equity is a core component of educational practices and healthcare delivery. These initiatives include unconscious bias training and outreach aimed at underserved populations.

Visas and Application Competitiveness

The Adolescent Medicine fellowship is open to U.S. graduates as well as international applicants (IMGs). Prospective applicants should note that the program currently accepts both permanent resident visas and J-1 Visitor Exchange Visas sponsored by ECFMG. The application process is competitive, requiring the completion of a U.S.-accredited residency program along with the submission of comprehensive application materials, including letters of reference and USMLE or COMLEX scores.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program is noted for its significant focus on teaching and mentorship, enabling fellows to collaborate with experienced faculty who are dedicated to the advancement of adolescent healthcare. Additionally, fellows have access to a rich support network and resources at MCW and Children's Wisconsin, enhancing their educational pursuits and professional development.

Furthermore, fellows enjoy the benefit of participating in community outreach programs such as the Milwaukee Adolescent Health Program, which provides critical health services to teens in the area “