Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This fellowship is designed to equip fellows with profound knowledge and skills required to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders in complex medically ill patients. This specialized training is essential for CL psychiatrists, who often manage patients referred from other physicians, emphasizing the integration of psychiatric care into various medical settings.

The primary training settings include Froedtert Hospital, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, and Aurora St. Luke's Hospital. Each site provides a diverse patient population and a broad spectrum of clinical experiences.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes extensive clinical rotations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on medically-oriented psychiatric consultation. At Froedtert Hospital, which has over 800 patient beds, fellows encounter approximately 90-100 new psychiatric consults monthly, enhancing their experience in managing a variety of complex cases. Additionally, fellows will also engage with general adult psychiatry residents and medical students, fostering a collaborative learning environment 1.

The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center provides a rich learning opportunity with over 600 consultations annually among a veteran population. The Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital presents a unique model where fellows write orders directly, dealing with less acute patients primarily over the age of 55, focusing on conditions like dementia 1.

At Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, fellows will complete around 2,500 behavioral health consultations yearly, addressing challenges such as acute withdrawal syndromes and neurocognitive disorders 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows in this program are encouraged to engage in research activities, benefiting from abundant patient materials that allow for both prospective and retrospective studies. Each fellow is required to complete at least one academic project by the conclusion of the fellowship. This may include presentations at Grand Rounds, regional or national meetings, or publications 1.

Didactics and Learning Environment

The fellowship's didactic component includes daily rounds, seminars, and formal case discussions. Fellows engage in weekly structured sessions covering various topics facilitated by faculty from psychiatry, medicine, and surgical disciplines. Participation in Grand Rounds and a bi-monthly Journal Club fosters a robust academic culture 1.

Elective Rotations

Fellows have the flexibility to select elective rotations that align with their interests, with three half-days per week dedicated to these pursuits. Various elective options are available, enabling fellows to customize their learning experiences. Research electives can also be pursued, allowing for a balance between clinical and academic endeavors 1.

Unique Aspects of the Fellowship

The program offers a distinctive training experience shaped by the interests and aspirations of each fellow. The faculty is dedicated to fostering individual growth, ensuring that the fellowship experience is tailored to each trainee’s specific career goals. Involvement in multidisciplinary teams, particularly at Aurora St. Luke’s, emphasizes collaboration across medical specialties 1.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The program typically accepts three fellows annually, subject to available funding. The application process is ongoing, and interviews are conducted each fall for the subsequent academic year. The program is highly competitive and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. Specific application requirements may vary, so it is advisable to review details closely during application preparation 2.

Visa Support and Employment

The Medical College of Wisconsin provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates during their fellowship. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, which allows international medical graduates to participate in this advanced medical training 1. All fellows are considered employees of the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, which includes various comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities 2.