WiNC (Wisconsin Northern & Central) GME Consortium/MCW-Prevea (Green Bay) Program

The Wisconsin Northern & Central (WiNC) Graduate Medical Education (GME) Consortium, which oversees the MCW-Prevea Family Medicine Residency in Green Bay, is dedicated to enhancing the physician workforce in northern Wisconsin. This program is designed to address the physician shortages in the region, which includes numerous Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and areas with limited access to healthcare services. The consortium aims to create a collaborative structure between hospitals, medical schools, and community resources to foster high-quality medical education and training.

Program Structure

The MCW-Prevea Family Medicine Residency offers a comprehensive training experience characterized by a diverse range of elective and core clinical rotations, including intensive care, dermatology, and sports medicine. The residency is unopposed, providing residents with the opportunity to engage deeply with cases while closely collaborating with attending specialists, ensuring an in-depth learning experience. This structure is particularly beneficial as it allows for an immersive clinical atmosphere without competing residents from other specialties.1

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum at the MCW-Prevea Green Bay Family Medicine Residency is rich and varied, aimed at developing well-rounded family physicians ready to meet the diverse needs of the community. In addition to the core curriculum, residents benefit from a strong emphasis on addiction medicine, obstetrics, and women's health, areas identified as crucial for community health. The educational experience is supplemented with professional development resources, allowing residents to pursue individual interests and specialties during their training.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations form a significant part of the training, allowing residents to participate in various healthcare settings. This includes both inpatient and outpatient services through partnerships with HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and community clinics. The unique community context offers exposure to a diverse patient population, including underserved rural communities and refugee populations during specialized rotations. Such experiences not only enrich the training but also help residents develop cultural competence critical for modern medical practice.2

Work-Life Balance

The program recognizes the importance of work-life balance, with reasonable call schedules designed to minimize burnout. Residents benefit from a culture that encourages healthy boundaries between work and personal life, supported by “golden weekends” off that allow for rest and family time. This attention to well-being is a vital aspect of forming resilient future physicians.3

Faculty and Mentorship

The residency is staffed by a dedicated team of MDs and DOs, including licensed clinical social workers, all committed to fostering an educational environment conducive to learning and professional growth. Faculty members actively engage in mentorship, providing residents with guidance tailored to their specific career aspirations and areas of interest. The small program size—six new residents each year—facilitates close mentorship and personalized attention.4

Research Opportunities

Residents have the opportunity to engage in research activities, fostering an environment of inquiry that is essential to modern healthcare. This involvement can include clinical research, quality improvement projects, and participation in scholarly presentations, which are integral components of residency training.5

Visa Support

The MCW-Prevea Family Medicine Residency program is able to sponsor J-1 visa applications but is limited to specific circumstances. For H-1B visas, such applications are not supported by the residency program at this time, emphasizing the need for applicants to be mindful of visa requirements and opportunities when considering application options.6

Application Requirements

To apply for the MCW-Prevea Green Bay Family Medicine Residency, candidates must hold a medical degree from an accredited institution, and it is preferable that applicants have no more than one failed STEP exam attempt. While the program is competitive, it is known for being friendly towards DO applicants and international medical graduates (IMGs), valuing a diverse applicant pool that reflects the community it serves.

Competitiveness and Commitment to Diversity

The residency program is considered highly competitive, with an emphasis on attracting candidates who are dedicated to serving rural communities and those from historically underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. The program is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment that supports the recruitment of residents from various backgrounds, which is crucial for serving a diverse patient population effectively.7

Salary and Benefits

During the 2024-2025 academic year, the salary structure for residents is as follows: PGY-1: $67,040, PGY-2: $69,257, and PGY-3: $71,422. In addition, residents receive professional development funds each year along with paid time off and a robust benefits package, emphasizing the program's investment in resident well-being and professional growth. These benefits, combined with the living environment in Green Bay, promote a fulfilling lifestyle both personally and professionally.8