Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is designed to offer comprehensive training in vascular disease management and surgical intervention. This two-year program boasts a robust curriculum that emphasizes a hands-on learning experience through direct participation in surgical cases.

Program Highlights

Each fellow will engage in over 500 major vascular procedures and more than 250 endovascular therapeutic cases throughout their tenure. The program features two state-of-the-art hybrid surgical suites, ensuring that fellows have access to the latest technology in vascular surgery. Fellows benefit from a supportive environment with expert faculty and participate in weekly conferences as well as a nationally recognized VSCORE curriculum, further enhancing their educational experience.

Clinical Training Structure

The fellowship includes a 24-month clinical training period where fellows gain exposure to open and endovascular surgery evenly. Clinical assignments are structured to provide a diverse range of experiences:

• Directing a weekly vascular case planning conference at the Zablocki VA Medical Center.
• Rotations through the vascular and endovascular services at Froedtert Hospital and the VA Medical Center.
• Functioning as the primary operating surgeon for major vascular reconstructive procedures.
• Conducting outpatient clinic visits and performing non-invasive vascular testing.

This program prides itself on the thorough education provided, including daily clinical mentoring by faculty, who are all board-certified vascular surgeons. Weekly academic conferences allow for multidisciplinary collaboration, encompassing discussions with specialists from vascular surgery, vascular medicine, and interventional radiology.

Clinical Responsibilities and Experience

Over the past five years, fellows have averaged approximately 1010 total surgical cases during their fellowship. Key aspects of the clinical training include working in two advanced hybrid operating room suites where a comprehensive array of hybrid procedures is performed. The fellows' clinical responsibilities increase throughout their training in accordance with ACGME guidelines, allowing them to develop extensive skills in both open and endovascular therapies by the conclusion of their fellowship.

Application Process

The application process for the Vascular Surgery Fellowship is straightforward. While there are no specific criteria for applications, all candidates must submit their applications via ERAS (the Electronic Residency Application Service). The final application package must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Medical school transcript
• MSPE
• Personal statement
• Current portrait
• ABSITE board transcripts (two)
• USMLE transcript
• ECFMG status report
• Four letters of recommendation, including one from the Department Chair.

Selected applicants are invited for interviews, which typically occur in the winter months.

Benefits and Living in Milwaukee

Fellows at the Medical College of Wisconsin enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• 21 days of vacation each year.
• 7 days allocated for attending CME conferences.
• Weekly protected time for didactics on Tuesday mornings.
• Access to educational funds for materials, conferences, and equipment.
• Complimentary parking, on-call meals, and lab coats with laundry service.

Milwaukee provides a vibrant living experience with cultural activities, various sports teams, and numerous outdoor events. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city is home to festivals, museums, and a diverse community, offering a rich lifestyle for fellows and their families.

Visa Support

The program supports international applicants and complies with ECFMG guidelines. Eligible fellows can be sponsored on J-1 and H-1B visas. This allows international graduates to engage fully in the fellowship program without immigration concerns.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The fellowship program is competitive, welcoming applications from both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). While there are no specific cutoff points for application criteria, the selection committee reviews the entire application holistically, and prior surgical experience is viewed favorably. The program is open to graduates from diverse backgrounds, including DO candidates.