University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in Madison is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program. It offers 13 resident positions for the Match cycle. The clinical training provided prepares residents for a diverse set of practice environments, and they deliver emergency care to a high-acuity and medically complex patient population.

Graduates from this program are equipped to manage emergency situations effectively and are qualified to take the Board Examination in Emergency Medicine. The program boasts a comprehensive clinical exposure through various training sites including Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma and Burn Centers.

Curriculum Overview

Residents follow a progressive curriculum designed to foster leadership skills and clinical expertise while allowing for individualized education paths. The residency utilizes a block schedule consisting of 13 four-week blocks with approximately 19 clinical shifts for PGY-1 and 18 shifts for subsequent years. Residents also benefit from longitudinal pediatric emergency department shifts, which enhance their pediatric care skills.

First Year (PGY-1)

During the first year, residents build a foundational knowledge of emergency medicine through extensive clinical rotations in varying specialties, including critical care, trauma, cardiology, and pediatrics. The PGY-1 year includes a required two-week rotation in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), as well as experiences in the main ED and off-service rotations.

Second and Third Year (PGY-2 and PGY-3)

The second year advances leadership skills, and residents engage in mentoring opportunities, while the third year emphasizes operational management and independence, allowing for peer mentoring of PGY-1 residents.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

The residency program incorporates several key training sites, including the University Hospital ED, which serves around 70,000 patients annually. Other facilities include East Madison Hospital, American Family Children's Hospital, and the Madison Veterans Memorial Hospital. UW Health Med Flight program provides residents opportunities to participate in flight medicine, enhancing their prehospital care experience.

Research and Quality Improvement

Residents engage in a structured research curriculum that emphasizes scholarship, study design, and data analysis. Mentorship is available for projects that can lead to presentations at national conferences. The Emergency Medicine department is recognized for its high level of research funding, allowing for significant advancements in emergency care practices.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program features a “3+1” model, which offers a capstone year for residents to focus on niche areas following residency training. The Residency Coaching Program supports individual growth and feedback for each resident through ongoing mentorship relationships. This is supported by faculty who provide personal guidance tailored to each resident's career interests.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The UW residency program places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The department actively recruits residents from diverse backgrounds and fosters engagement through community outreach initiatives, training on implicit biases, and cultural competency efforts. Such initiatives are fundamental for addressing healthcare disparities across different populations.

Visa and Application Information

The program welcomes applications from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for qualified candidates. All applicants must hold a valid Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate.

Benefits and Well-being

The residency offers a competitive stipend along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid parental leave, travel scholarships for conferences, and wellness programs. The supportive community fosters peer relationships and networking opportunities outside of clinical responsibilities.

Competitiveness

The residency program is known for being highly competitive, valuing a diverse range of candidates, including both MDs and IMGs, aiming to build a well-rounded cohort of residents primed for success in the field of emergency medicine.