Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Program is an exceptional six-year residency located in Milwaukee. It is noteworthy for being one of the first accredited integrated programs and has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The residency is designed to cultivate skilled plastic surgeons by providing comprehensive training under the guidance of a dedicated faculty comprising 17 full-time members, including 15 surgeons and two rehabilitation psychologists.

Program Overview

Residents of the program rotate through a variety of prestigious training sites. These include Froedtert Hospital, a 516-bed Level I Trauma Center that is also home to a multidisciplinary cancer center, and Children’s Wisconsin, which features a 306-bed Level I Trauma Center. Additional training takes place at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, a leader in spinal cord injury and breast care, and the Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital. Residents gain experience in diverse cases, particularly in breast, craniofacial, hand, and upper extremity surgeries, as well as microsurgery for traumatic and oncological reconstruction, thereby acquiring advanced skills in managing complex clinical scenarios 1.

Rotation Structure

The rotation structure is meticulously designed for maximal experiential learning. In the PGY-1 and PGY-2 years, residents spend their initial year exposed to various surgical disciplines with three months dedicated to Plastic Surgery and six months in the subsequent year. This foundational period also includes rotations in Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia, and Orthopedic Trauma. The broader surgical experience incorporates General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and more. During PGY-3 and PGY-4, residents primarily focus on Plastic Surgery, Hand, and Facial Trauma services, along with rotations in Dermatologic Surgery and Oculoplastic Surgery. Special provisions like a two-month aesthetic rotation in the fourth year enhance cosmetic procedure training. By PGY-5, residents split time between Plastic Surgery and Craniofacial services, while PGY-6 residents participate in administrative chief responsibilities at Froedtert Hospital along with aesthetic practices and a dedicated cosmetic clinic 1.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages resident involvement in a myriad of research projects that cover an extensive range of topics within plastic surgery. Residents engage in studies focusing on surgical tourism in cosmetic surgery, predictive factors in DIEP reconstructions, and outcomes of pediatric procedures among others. The commitment to research not only allows residents to contribute to the field but also enhances their understanding of evidence-based practices essential for modern surgical care 1.

Global Health Initiatives

The Department of Plastic Surgery actively promotes local and global health initiatives. Notably, a longstanding relationship with the Universidad de Santander in Bucaramanga, Colombia, facilitates an annual mission trip. This endeavor focuses on addressing health inequities and advancing collaborative training and education in plastic surgery on a global scale 1.

Application Process

This highly competitive program offers either two or three first-year integrated positions annually, with the number alternating each year, and is fully accredited. Applications must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and candidates are required to complete all application components for interview consideration. Selected applicants typically receive interview invitations during the early winter months 1. The program is viewed as friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, although academic credentials play a vital role in the selection process.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for eligible applicants. Typically, the program sponsors H-1B and J-1 visas, allowing international medical graduates to complete their residency training in the United States, which demonstrates the program's commitment to a diverse applicant pool and the importance of global representation in medical practice 1.

Benefits and Lifestyle

Residents are provided with a comprehensive benefits package through the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, which includes health insurance, educational benefits, and other stipulations pertinent to resident well-being. Milwaukee, the location of the residency, is celebrated not only for its unique character and cultural offerings but also for its affordable living options that facilitate a comfortable lifestyle for residents 1.