University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program in Dermatology at Madison provides an immersive and comprehensive residency experience for aspiring dermatologists. This three-year program begins at the PGY-2 level and is designed to equip residents with in-depth knowledge and skills in both general dermatology and various subspecialties.

Residency Details
The program accepts five new residents each year, allowing for a highly personalized training environment. During their time in the program, residents engage in a combination of clinical and surgical dermatology training. Each resident will experience diverse clinical settings across University, Veterans Administration, and community hospitals, broadening their exposure to different patient populations and care models 1.

Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum includes a structured approach to learning dermatological care, with the first year focusing on foundational skills in general dermatology. As residents transition into their second year, they encounter advanced specialty clinics such as Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), Melanoma and Pigmented lesions, Contact Dermatitis, Mohs Surgery, and Pediatric Dermatology, to name a few. In their final year, residents refine their practice styles and take on leadership roles, particularly during a dedicated rotation at the VA Hospital 1.

Continuity Clinics occur regularly, allowing residents to build long-term relationships with patients and hone their clinical skills under supervision. The vast array of rotations provides residents with opportunities to manage increasingly complex dermatological issues while enhancing procedural competency through surgical training and dermatopathology rotations 1.

Research and Global Health Opportunities
Residents have access to extensive research resources, including clinical-translational research programs guided by five NIH-funded faculty members. The program encourages participation in global health opportunities, offering international electives through UW Health. This allows residents to broaden their perspectives and engage with global health initiatives while developing pertinent clinical skills 1.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The program emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all residents can thrive. The University of Wisconsin-Madison champions a holistic approach to training, valuing personal characteristics and the diverse backgrounds of all applicants. The program recognizes that a diverse workforce enhances innovation and creativity within the medical community 1.

Application Process
Applications to the program are processed through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), requiring standard documentation, including USMLE transcripts, letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, and a personal statement. Notably, the program is open to international medical graduates and sponsors J-1 visas exclusively 1. No maximum limit exists for letters of recommendation, although it is encouraged to submit no more than four 1.

The program has specific eligibility requirements, including the completion of all clinical rotations by the time of appointment. They also embrace applicants from diverse backgrounds, providing an inclusive environment for training 1.

Residency Values and Environment
The residency program values knowledge, discovery, opportunity, camaraderie, humanism, and leadership. Residents are supported throughout their journey with a range of educational resources and mentorship opportunities designed to foster professional and personal growth 1.

Given the structure of the program and its collaborative atmosphere, a strong emphasis on resident well-being is maintained. This supportive environment is reflected throughout the residents' training, as they are encouraged to mentor and learn from one another while participating in diverse patient care settings 1.