Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Medical College of Wisconsin General Surgery Residency Program is dedicated to the comprehensive education and training of surgical residents, providing a broad exposure to diverse surgical specialties within a framework that fosters both professional and personal development. With a focus on quaternary care at the Froedtert & MCW Hospital, residents engage in a variety of surgical disciplines, including but not limited to surgical oncology, colorectal, minimally invasive surgery, trauma, critical care, vascular, transplant, and thoracic surgery. The program partners with significant training sites such as Children’s Wisconsin, the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, and additional community hospitals for a well-rounded clinical experience.

Residents benefit from unique program features that include: opportunities for dedicated research years, electives during the third year of training, structured wellness initiatives, and a robust didactic curriculum. They can participate in innovative robotics training as early as their intern year, ensuring that by graduation, they possess the skills to excel in robotic surgical techniques. The program emphasizes research, allowing residents to engage in scholarly activities through extensive support and resources.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide residents valuable learning opportunities throughout their training. A protected block curriculum for PGY-1 residents consists of six-week blocks interspersed during the year, while later years involve weekly faculty-led discussions based on the “This Week in SCORE” (TWIS) curriculum, which is aligned with the American Board of Surgery content. Skills sessions bolster hands-on learning, with dedicated labs that cover vital competencies including cadaver labs and trauma courses, enhancing surgical proficiency.

Rotations and Training Sites

Rotations are conducted across various prestigious institutions, ensuring a diverse and enriched training environment. Key facilities include:

• Froedtert Hospital: The main training site, offering advanced surgical services and complex cases.
• Children’s Wisconsin: Renowned for pediatric healthcare, providing specialized training opportunities.
• Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center: Offers a range of surgical cases relevant to veteran care.
• Aspirus Hospital: Located in Wausau, it provides rural surgical experiences for interested residents.
• Other community hospitals: Such as Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital and Aurora Medical Center, Grafton, integrating community healthcare in resident education.

Research Opportunities

The program prioritizes research with the option for residents to dedicate 1-2 years to scholarly pursuits. This occurs after their PGY-2 or PGY-3 years and allows for focus on a variety of methodologies including basic science, clinical trials, and quality improvement studies. They have access to extensive funding opportunities through local institutions and federal grants, enhancing the ability to engage in impactful research.

Global Health Rotation

Residents can also participate in a global health rotation, focusing on surgical practices in different cultural contexts. This rotation includes collaboration with institutions in countries such as Cuba, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, and Nepal, enhancing the global perspective of surgical training.

Wellness Initiatives

The Safety and Wellness Committee at the Medical College of Wisconsin aims to improve resident life by offering wellness programs grounded in resident feedback. Efforts include activities that promote physical and mental well-being and work-life balance, as well as a Parental Wellness Guide for residents who have children.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The General Surgery Residency Program is known for its highly competitive nature. Applicants must adhere to specific requirements: a complete application via the Electronic Residency Application Service, pass on first attempt for USMLE Step 1, and a maximum of two years post-graduation from medical school. The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the application process.

Recent Alumni and Graduate Success

The success of the program can be evidenced through the alumni's pathways, with many graduates pursuing fellowships in various surgical specialties across prestigious institutions worldwide.

Conclusion

By fostering both an enriching educational environment and highly supportive resources, the Medical College of Wisconsin General Surgery Residency Program stands out as a premier choice for aspiring surgical residents.