University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The University of Wisconsin Sleep Medicine Fellowship offers a robust multidisciplinary sleep medicine training program aimed at developing the expertise and skills necessary for clinical practice, research, and academic careers in sleep medicine.

Program Overview

This fellowship provides a customized educational experience tailored to trainees from various specialty backgrounds. The program integrates both adult and pediatric sleep medicine training and focuses on cutting-edge technologies and emerging research in the field of sleep medicine. The fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in the discipline by leveraging the reputation and resources of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recognized internationally for its contributions to sleep research and education 1.

Curriculum

Didactic Experiences

The curriculum encompasses formal teachings ranging from the basic science to clinical disorders of sleep, complimented by hands-on exposure to innovative data. Fellows are required to participate in a series of educational conferences:

• Monthly Sleep Medicine Journal Club, where fellows discuss the latest research and literature.
• Monthly Multidisciplinary Conference that includes a broad range of specialists.
• Basic Sleep Mechanisms and Sleep Disorders course, offered through the UW Neuroscience Training Program.
• Research presentations through the Wisconsin Institute of Sleep and Consciousness.

This entirely framework ensures fellows engage deeply with both theoretical and practical aspects of sleep medicine 3.

Clinical Experiences

The training includes both adult and pediatric sleep continuity clinics, along with the opportunity for fellows to interpret a wide array of sleep studies. Essential clinical training sites include:

• Wisconsin Sleep
• William S. Middleton Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital Clinical Sleep Program

Additionally, fellows will experience rotations in various settings, including Otolaryngology, Behavioral Sleep Medicine, and Geriatric Memory Clinics, enhancing their understanding and experience 3.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship provides avenues for scholarly activities, with opportunities for extended research years for trainees expressing interest in academic careers. Fellows are encouraged to meet with faculty to discuss research topics that align with their professional goals 3.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates who require this type of sponsorship. The fellowship prides itself on a holistic application review process, promoting diversity and minimizing any biases based on ethnicity or gender. It is considered competitive, although it welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG applicants 6.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants to the University of Wisconsin Sleep Medicine Fellowship must meet the following requirements:

• Submission of a completed ERAS common application.
• Three letters of recommendation, with one from the residency director.
• USMLE and/or COMLEX transcripts, along with a current CV and personal statement.
• For international graduates, EFIMG certification is mandatory.

As part of the commitment to inclusivity, the fellowship conducts a full review of applications to ensure fair consideration of all candidates, irrespective of background 5.

Mentoring and Career Development

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the fellowship experience. Each fellow is paired with a mentor who provides ongoing career guidance, helping develop necessary skills for future professional endeavors.

Graduate Success

Alumni of the program have recorded a 100% board pass rate over the past five years, marking a significant achievement of the fellowship. Graduates are well-prepared for both private and academic practices, with many finding employment within the Midwest or across the country 7.