University of Wisconsin (Antigo) Rural Program

The University of Wisconsin (Antigo) Rural Program, specifically the Baraboo Rural Training Track (RTT) Family Medicine Residency Program, offers a unique blend of high-quality education and hands-on experience tailored for those interested in serving rural communities. Located near Madison, this program is designed to prepare residents for the full spectrum of family medicine in a rural setting.

Program Highlights:

• Training Environment: The Baraboo RTT program boasts an unopposed training environment in a culturally diverse population, providing residents with a broad and comprehensive training experience. The flexible curriculum includes strong continuity maternity care and procedural training with access to additional elective opportunities through the Madison program. The emphasis is on a "hybrid longitudinal curriculum" operated in an apprenticeship model, ensuring residents gain experience in various aspects such as hospital rounds, clinic, urgent care/ER call, hospital admissions, and obstetrics.
• Community Engagement: Residents learn to navigate the healthcare needs of a rural community, engaging with the community's unique characteristics, including its socio-economic, cultural, and health-related nuances.
• Osteopathic Recognition: The program holds osteopathic recognition, catering to the educational needs of DO as well as MD residents interested in incorporating osteopathic principles and practice into comprehensive patient care.

Program Size:

• The program admits 6 residents, with 2 residents per year, fostering an intimate learning environment where residents can closely work with faculty and have access to personalized mentorship.

Practice Setting:

• The setting provides an authentic rural practice environment with the clinic located just a two-minute walk from the hospital, facilitating a seamless integration of outpatient and inpatient care experiences.

Education and Rotations:

During their training, residents transition from an initial focus on inpatient responsibilities in the Madison area to a more intense rural-focused setup in Baraboo. The curriculum covers a wide range of medical disciplines through both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities, including dedicated time for elective rotations which are customizable based on residents' interests and career goals. Critical components include continuity OB training, inpatient rounding, outpatient clinic hours, and participation in local and possibly global health opportunities.

Additional Educational Opportunities:

Residents benefit from a host of supplementary educational activities including primary care conferences, family medicine seminars, clustered didactics in various specialties, and community health management, all designed to prepare them for a successful career in rural family medicine. Moreover, the program fosters a culture of lifelong learning and inquiry, allowing for personal and professional development.

Application Process and Interviews:

The Baraboo RTT actively conducts in-person interviews with provisions for optional virtual and in-person "Second Look" events. These engagements offer deeper insights into the program and foster mutual understanding between the program faculty and prospective residents. The program details its holistic review process for applicants, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the mission and values of serving rural populations.

Residents and Faculty:

The program takes pride in its diverse body of residents and deeply committed faculty. Testimonials from alumni highlight the enriched learning environment and the opportunity to serve comprehensive healthcare needs of rural communities, embodying the best practices in family medicine.

Community Life:

Baraboo offers a quaint, engaging lifestyle with its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation options, and a close-knit community vibe. Residents and their families can enjoy a diverse range of activities from hiking and canoeing at nearby state parks to exploring the local cultural and dining scene.

Conclusion:

For medical students passionate about rural medicine and looking for a program that offers a comprehensive, hands-on, and community-focused training, the University of Wisconsin's Baraboo RTT Family Medicine Residency presents an excellent opportunity to prepare for a fulfilling career in family medicine.