University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

Madison, WI

University YOG 3 STEP 235 - 269 Research Focused IMG Friendly J1

Specialty:Surgery

ACGME Code:4405621355

NRMP Code:1779440P3, 1779440P5, 1779440C1, 1779440P4, 1779440C0

Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

Program Overview

The University of Wisconsin Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is structured as a five-year curriculum, designed to accept six new orthopedic residents annually. The program's primary aim is to cultivate future leaders in orthopedic surgery through a comprehensive educational framework. It endeavors to recruit top-tier medical students while providing extensive training across the spectrum of general orthopedic conditions and innovative treatment options. Residents will also gain essential exposure to complex orthopedic cases.

This program promotes a collegial learning environment, stressing both education and camaraderie. The faculty members are deeply committed to excellence in teaching, ensuring that every resident receives individualized attention and guidance tailored to their professional growth. The clinical curriculum is uniquely designed on graduated training principles that align with each learner's developmental needs to prepare them for independent practice.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a robust combination of inpatient, outpatient, consultative, and elective experiences that fortify essential skills required in providing high-quality orthopedic care. The training also emphasizes patient communication skills and shared decision-making, equipping residents with the competencies necessary for effective practice management.

A distinctive feature of the educational approach is that residents learn through problem-solving, engaging actively in lifelong learning processes that allow for continuous improvement in patient outcomes and clinical decision-making.

Clinical Experience

Residents engage in rotations across seven major orthopedic subspecialties throughout the residency duration, ensuring comprehensive exposure to all essential areas of orthopedic surgery. Rotations are conducted at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, along with affiliated hospitals including VA Hospitals and UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital.

During PGY-1, residents undergo additional rotations in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, and musculoskeletal imaging, broadening their foundational clinical skills. This holistic exposure is vital for developing well-rounded orthopedic professionals.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic segment includes a rich array of conferences focusing on both basic science and advanced orthopedic knowledge. Weekly conferences cover pathology, biomechanics, anatomy, and practical case discussions, while trauma conferences detail recent cases to enhance learning through peer discussions.

Grand Rounds provide residents with a platform to present case studies and engage with faculty and peers, enhancing their presentation and critical thinking skills.

Research Opportunities

Research is deeply integrated into the residency experience, with each resident expected to participate in scholarly activity. This includes two dedicated research rotations during PGY-2 and PGY-3. The program supports residents in developing research skills that span all phases of the research process, from evaluation to original research conduct.

Resident research is facilitated by extensive resources, including laboratory equipment, statistical consultation, and mentorship from faculty involved in diverse research projects.

Resident Life

Resident life at the University of Wisconsin is characterized by a community-focused environment where employees thrive socially and academically. Madison, recognized for its quality of life, fosters a vibrant atmosphere that combines urban living with a small-town feel.

The program actively engages residents through a variety of social and educational activities, which not only enhance wellness but also build camaraderie among peers. The UW Housestaff Association plays a significant role in representing house staff; it provides various opportunities that enrich the residency experience.

Application Process

Prospective applicants are required to submit several documents, including a personal statement, residency application, a minimum of three letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts. Importantly, candidates need to have passed both USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 on the first attempt.

The program operates under strict eligibility criteria for non-U.S. citizens, providing J-1 visa sponsorship only for those needing visa support.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The University of Wisconsin Orthopedic Surgery Residency Program is considered highly competitive, aiming for applicants with strong academic records and relevant experiences. Furthermore, the program is friendly to candidates from both U.S. DO schools and international medical graduates, as long as they meet the outlined requirements.

There are specific application timelines and events that prospective candidates should be aware of, including virtual open houses and interview dates.

Web sources

1. Orthopedic Surgery Residency Overview 2. Aims Statement of Orthopedic Surgery 3. Application Process for Orthopedic Surgery 4. Clinical Experience in Orthopedic Surgery 5. Current Residents in Orthopedic Surgery 6. Didactic Curriculum Overview 7. Resident Life at Orthopedic Surgery 8. Research Opportunities in Orthopedic Surgery 9. Application and Admission Criteria 10. Historical Alumni Overview

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Program data

ACGME History ^[3]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026

Initial accreditation0

Full accreditation0

Continued27

Warning0

Probationary Accreditation0

Withdrawal0

#	Academic Year	Status	Effective Date
01	2000 - 2001	Continued Full Accreditation	Oct 12, 2000
02	2001 - 2002	Continued Full Accreditation	Oct 12, 2000
03	2002 - 2003	Continued Full Accreditation	Oct 12, 2000
04	2003 - 2004	Continued Full Accreditation	Oct 12, 2000
05	2004 - 2005	Continued Full Accreditation	Oct 12, 2000
06	2005 - 2006	Continued	Feb 23, 2006
07	2006 - 2007	Continued	Feb 23, 2006
08	2007 - 2008	Continued	Feb 23, 2006
09	2008 - 2009	Continued	Jun 26, 2008
10	2009 - 2010	Continued	Jun 26, 2008

Program

Program Size

14, 10, 8, 8, 8 (5 years)^[1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 15, 2026)

Composition ^[2]

MD · 85%

U.S. IMG · 3%

Non-U.S. IMG · 12%

Training

Fellowship Rate:92%^[2]

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:1.7X^[1]

Residents Career Path ^[2]

Full-time Practice · 8%

Fellowship · 92%

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: 10 days^[1]

First Year Paid Vacation: 15 days^[1]

First Year Salary: $68,626^[1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours ^[1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 75 hours^[1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: 235–269^[2]

Visa Sponsorship:J1^[2]

YOG Cutoff:3^[1]

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Incoming Schools

19%

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Aga Khan University Medical College

University of Arizona College of Medicine

More than 1 school has this rank*

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Rotation Duration by Site

Rotation Duration Chart Data

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