University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

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Specialty:Pathology-anatomic and clinical
ACGME Code:3005631376
NRMP Code:1779300C0, 1779300C1
Status:Continued Accreditation

We will close to new applicants on October 20, 2026, so please make sure your complete application is in prior to that date.Provided directly by this program's leadership through their Residency Advisor portal.

Overview

The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison presents a comprehensive and adaptable training environment tailored to produce highly skilled pathologists equipped for various career paths, including academic, clinical, and research-focused roles. The program offers a four-year combined Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) residency, as well as three-year tracks for both Anatomic Pathology (AP-only) and Clinical Pathology (CP-only) any of which can include a PSTP component as well, with flexibility to meet individual resident needs.[1]

Program Structure and Goals

The residency comprises up to twenty positions within the AP/CP track, along with a dedicated single-track slot for an AP-only or CP-only, which can include the Pathology Physician Scientist Track (PSTP) for up to three residents. The overall objective is to foster competent and confident diagnostic pathologists capable of passing board examinations and successfully entering competitive fellowship programs. The program's aims include recruiting a diverse resident cohort, offering a supportive learning environment, encouraging research involvement, and cultivating professionalism and leadership skills in residents.[1]

Curricula and Training Sites

The curriculum covers both anatomic and clinical pathology with components including:

  • Autopsy and Neuropathology: The autopsy service performs around 550-600 cases annually, including forensic autopsies, while the neuropathology training emphasizes malignant cases.[3]

  • Cytopathology: Residents receive hands-on training across four months on gynecologic cytology, remote on-site evaluations, and involvement in molecular specimen triaging.[3]

  • Surgical Pathology: Residents manage nearly 60,000 specimens per year, with comprehensive exposure to subspecialties within surgical pathology.[3]

Furthermore, clinical pathology training includes a unique Core Rotation where residents rotate through multiple clinical laboratories, gaining extensive experience in chemistry, transfusion medicine, microbiology, and various subspecialties through case-based learning and active participation in laboratory management issues.[6]

Research Opportunities

The program encourages research involvement with dedicated support: a Translational Research in Pathology laboratory provides resources for various scientific endeavors. Residents are funded to attend conferences and engage in research designed to enhance their professional skills.[13][15]

Application Process

Application requirements for U.S. graduates include submission through ERAS, three letters of recommendation, MSPE, official transcripts, and a minimum passing score of 210 on USMLE Step 1 (first or second attempt). International Medical Graduates (IMGs) need to show evidence of a valid ECFMG certificate, completion of USMLE Step 2, and can hold J-1 Clinical Visas sponsored by ECFMG, though H-1 visas are not supported.[4]

Social Impact and Belonging

Through a wide variety of initiatives and teams, we work toward our goal of a workplace that create belonging for everyone.

The many perspectives of our staff are a strength of UW Health. Our workforce and the patients we serve include people from all backgrounds and we celebrate those differences. To protect our team members and our patients, UW Health has adopted policies and tools that focus on interrupting any forms of bigotry or discrimination. UW Health also provides its employees with various learning and professional development programs for personal and professional growth to continue to work toward a culture of belonging.

Competitiveness and Resident Life

The residency is considered competitive, welcoming a diverse pool of candidates, including U.S. graduates and IMGs. The program boasts a collegial environment, where wellness and work-life balance are prioritized, along with ample opportunities for social activities and supportive mentorship.[1][16]

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 Clinical Visas for qualifying international applicants but does not sponsor H-1B visas. IMGs must adhere to specific clinical and ECFMG criteria to be eligible for application.[4]

Web sources

  1. Residency – UW Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine – UW-Madison

  2. Alumni – UW-Madison

  3. Anatomic Pathology Program – Residency – UW-Madison

  4. Residency Application Process – Residency – UW-Madison

  5. Applying for Observership – Residency – UW-Madison

  6. Clinical Pathology Program – Residency – UW-Madison

  7. Combined Breast and Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  8. Cytopathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  9. UW Health Social Impact and Belonging

  10. Research Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  11. General Surgical Pathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  12. GI/Liver Pathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  13. Hematopathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  14. Physician-Scientist Training Pathway (PSTP) – Residency – UW-Madison

  15. Research Opportunities and Awards – Residency – UW-Madison

  16. Resident Life – Residency – UW-Madison

  17. Thoracic Pathology Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  18. Transfusion Medicine Fellowship – Residency – UW-Madison

  19. Virtual Tour – Residency – UW-Madison

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From the Program

Program Information

Application deadline:mid-October

PGY-1 salary:$73,449

Positions per year:5-8

Accepting background:IMGs, DOs, COMLEX-only

Visa sponsorship:J-1 only

Years since graduation cutoff:≤ 8 years

USMLE Step 2 CK:Minimum: 210 · Competitive: 250 ± 5

COMLEX Level 2:Minimum: 450

Failed exam attempts:Rarely considered

US clinical experience (USCE):Preferred

Letters of recommendation:3

Interview format:Virtual

Interview offer dates:October 15-November

Program signaling:Participates (All signals will be reviewed first)

Program website:https://residency.pathology.wisc.edu/

SmartPick

Program data

ACGME History

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation0
Full accreditation0
Continued27
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

-- (4 years)

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 28, 2026)

Composition

MD · 63%
DO · 5%
Non-U.S. IMG · 32%

Training

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:2.2X

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 5 days

First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days

First Year Salary: $73,449

Admission

Visa Sponsorship:J1

YOG Cutoff:8

Gender

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Scores

Match History

Track ID:  1779300C1
2020
0 of 1
2021
1 of 1
2022
0 of 1
2023
1 of 1
2024
1 of 1
2025
0 of 1
2026
1 of 1
Track ID:  1779300C0
2020
6 of 6
2021
6 of 6
2022
6 of 6
2023
6 of 6
2024
4 of 4
2025
5 of 5
2026
7 of 7
Filled Position
Unfilled Position

Roster

Location

Madison, WI

Population
269,840
Median income
$70,484Above
Education
59.3%Above
Employment
69.9%Below
Health
5.1%Above
Age
32On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Madison, WI

Madison, WI, known for its beautiful lakes, vibrant music scene, and outdoor activities, offers a unique living experience. Here are some aspects to consider:

Safety

Madison has a relatively low crime rate, making it a generally safe city.

Fun Activities

Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports on the surrounding lakes. The city also hosts various cultural events, farmers' markets, and music festivals.

Climate

Madison experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during the winter months.

Population & Races

The population of Madison is diverse, with a mix of races and ethnicities contributing to the city's vibrant culture.

Education

Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, providing educational opportunities and a youthful energy to the city.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Madison is reasonable compared to other major cities in the US, but it can be higher than the national average.

Proximity to Major Cities

Chicago is about 2.5 to 3 hours away by car, offering access to a bigger city for weekend getaways. Milwaukee is about 1.5 hours away, providing a closer urban experience.

Pros

  • Beautiful natural surroundings
  • cultural events
  • educational opportunities
  • and a strong sense of community.

Cons

  • Cold winters and potentially higher cost of living compared to some other locations in the US.

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Nearby programs

Pathology-anatomic and clinical Programs Near Madison, WI

External Links

1. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US5548000

2. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

3. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr

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