Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin offers a comprehensive Internal Medicine Residency Program, which includes special features tailored for diverse healthcare training and a supportive educational environment in Milwaukee. The program is a collaborative effort involving multiple hospitals and provides a rich and varied training regimen designed to produce competent and independent internists with the capability to pursue subspecialty fellowships or general practice.

Program Overview

The Internal Medicine Residency Program is a three-year transformative journey that prepares residents for various career paths in medicine including fellowship training. The program prides itself on a supportive community that fosters a collegial atmosphere among residents and faculty, promoting both academic and personal growth 1.

Curriculum and Schedule

The curriculum focuses on grounding residents in General Internal Medicine (GIM) and provides numerous subspecialty rotations across three key training sites: Froedtert Hospital, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Hospital. Residents also participate in continuity clinics which emphasize a patient-centered medical home approach.

General Internal Medicine and Subspecialty Rotations

Residents benefit from a balanced schedule that includes inpatient care across a multitude of specialties:

• Subspecialty inpatient rotations include Cardiology, Hematology/Oncology, Neurology, Geriatrics, and others.
• A strong emphasis is placed on clinical experiences with procedures such as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and diagnostic reasoning.
• The 50/50 schedule, known as 'I’s/O’s', entails alternating months between inpatient (I) and outpatient (O) rotations, facilitating a balanced wellness approach 2.

Electives and Research

Residents have the opportunity to participate in various electives and research activities. The program promotes research through a dedicated month-long research elective available to PGY2 and PGY3 residents.

Wellness Programs

The residency also emphasizes wellness, with initiatives to promote mental health and balance throughout the training 1.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Medical College of Wisconsin's Residency Program is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. This commitment is evident through various initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities, including implicit bias training and special clinic rotations for underserved populations 3.

Community Engagement and Support

Participation in community clinics, such as the Inclusion Clinic, provides hands-on experience in addressing social determinants of health while promoting wellness and inclusion 3.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa support and may sponsor relevant visa types, including the J-1 visa. This is particularly beneficial for international applicants seeking to undergo residency training without needing to secure their funding independently.

Competitiveness and Requirements

This residency program is highly competitive, open to both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates. Special application requirements include:

• A maximum of one failed USMLE step exam.
• Preference is often given to applicants who signal the program or have done away rotations.

Application Criteria

While applications from all qualified candidates are reviewed, those with a strong alignment toward the program's values, particularly concerning dedication to patient care and community health, tend to be more competitive 1.

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at:

• Froedtert Hospital: A premier academic medical center recognized nationally for its diverse patient population and high-level specialty care.
• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: A comprehensive facility serving veterans with unique training experiences focusing on the needs of military populations.
• St. Joseph's Hospital: Community hospital experience fostering general internal medicine practice alongside subspecialty consultation.

Resident Support and Life

The residency program is designed to support personal well-being and professional growth, featuring regular retreats, social activities, and a wellness committee 1. This approach ensures residents have opportunities to bond, develop friendships, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Scholarship and Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes academic scholarship and invites all residents to pursue research endeavors with numerous resources available, including direct mentorship from experienced faculty and funding to present findings at national conferences 4.