University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The Child Neurology Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics is a comprehensive five-year program designed to train the next generation of pediatric neurologists. It consists of three years of pediatric training followed by two years focused on child neurology.

Program Structure and Training Sites

The training predominantly takes place at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, the American Family Children’s Hospital, and the UnityPoint Health-Meriter Hospital. Each of these sites features state-of-the-art facilities, which enhance the educational experience. The programs are designed to accommodate various learning opportunities in pediatric neurology, showcasing rich clinical environments that range from outpatient to inpatient settings.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program consists of a structured curriculum that includes clinical rotations in both adult and pediatric neurology, outpatient clinics, and specialized services such as comprehensive epilepsy, neuro-oncology, and neuromuscular disorders. These rotations are designed to provide residents with exposure to a wide variety of neurological conditions. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on professional growth and clinical competence through direct patient care, interactive didactic training, and supervised learning experiences within multidisciplinary teams.

During the first two years, residents complete preliminary training in pediatrics before entering the core child neurology training. The training curriculum emphasizes core competencies defined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in areas such as patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, and systems-based practice.

Research and Scholarly Activities

The program encourages residents to engage in research opportunities and quality improvement projects, fostering a culture of inquiry and academic growth. Each resident is required to complete at least one quality improvement project during their residency. Additionally, journal clubs and presentations at departmental conferences are integral components of the educational experience. Active participation in research not only enhances clinical practice but also contributes to academic development.

Evaluation and Feedback

A robust evaluation system is implemented to assess residents' progress. End-of-rotation evaluations, multi-source feedback, and formal assessments ensure that residents receive constructive feedback on their clinical competencies. The program adheres to ACGME milestone requirements to ensure that residents are well-prepared for independent practice.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Child Neurology Residency at the University of Wisconsin is known to be competitive. Applicants are typically expected to possess strong academic credentials, including high performance on USMLE or COMLEX exams. The program welcomes candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, ensuring a diverse applicant pool. While international medical graduates (IMGs) are also encouraged to apply, candidates must have verified ECFMG status. Importantly, the program strictly sponsors J-1 visas and does not support H-1B visas or OPT status.

Resident Well-Being

Recognizing the importance of mental and physical health in residency training, the program emphasizes resident well-being. Initiatives are in place to address burnout and fatigue. This includes a structured approach to monitoring work hours and ensuring adequate time off, alongside wellness programs that encourage a healthy work-life balance. Key policies allow residents to attend appointments and take necessary leave without compromising their training.

Salary and Benefits

Residents are compensated through UWHC, with salaries positioned at competitive levels, typically at the 75th percentile of national benchmarks. Benefits include a generous educational fund, vacation, paid sick leave, and support for attending professional conferences. The program also facilitates access to necessary resources for effective clinical training, including educational materials and equipment.

Cultural and Team Environment

Collaboration is key within this training program, which fosters an interprofessional environment where residents, attending physicians, and ancillary staff work closely together to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Regular interdisciplinary rounds and case discussions are pivotal in promoting team-based care. The diverse faculty at the University of Wisconsin is dedicated to providing high-quality mentorship and guidance throughout the residency.