Emergency medicine is a broad field, but developing a focused area of expertise can be a powerful way to expand your impact as a physician. Many of our residents choose to pursue this path as a way to deepen their skills, advance scholarship, and prepare for leadership roles in our specialty — in or outside of academic medicine.
At UW, we make that possible. Our department brings together an academic faculty group with expertise across a wide range of niche areas in and outside of emergency medicine, from EMS and ultrasound to critical care, global health, and engineering. Coupled with strong partnerships across UW Health and the university, this environment gives our residents direct access to field-leading experts and the support to explore and grow their own passions.
A fellowship in an emergency medicine niche offers advanced training, mentorship, and protected time for scholarship. Our fellows gain vital skills and credentials to shape patient care, education, and research. All links open in a new window.
- Administration, Quality, and Leadership
- Anesthesiology Critical Care
- Clinical Informatics
- Education Scholarship (GME/UME tracks)
- Global Emergency Medicine
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Medical Simulation
- Research
- Retrieval & Critical Care Transport Medicine
- Space Medicine – coming soon!
- Ultrasound
“3+1” Residency Program Model
Our optional “3+1” program offers a one-year capstone after residency for current UW emergency medicine trainees, designed as a fully customizable, choose-your-own-pathway experience. Participants receive protected time for scholarship with dedicated faculty mentorship while working about eight attending shifts per month — earning more than double a PGY 4 or fellowship stipend.
The strength of the program is its flexibility: residents have crafted unique paths such as combining ultrasound with medical education, or blending wellness research with creative writing and new departmental initiatives. Each experience is tailored to future career goals, building an impressive, individualized portfolio.
“3+1” Program FAQs
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Who is eligible for the 3+1 program?
The “3+1” program is offered exclusively to University of Wisconsin Emergency Medicine residents. Interested candidates from other institutions may apply to any fellowship program listed at emed.wisc.edu/education/fellowships. Application requirements vary by program.
Why should I consider a 3+1 program?
UW residents interested in an additional year of focused training in a niche area of emergency medicine are encouraged to consider this program. New “3+1” opportunities can be developed with faculty sponsorship, and innovative approaches are strongly supported.
What are the salary and benefits during a 3+1 year?
Compensation for the “3+1” year is highly competitive — often more than twice that of national standards for a PGY 4 year and accredited fellowships. Learn more about GME Compensation and Benefits.
How many shifts will I work each month?
“3+1” participants work approximately eight clinical shifts per month but varies by program and individual. Additional compensation is provided for moonlighting.
Where will I work?
Program participants may work at University Hospital, East Madison Hospital, Beloit Memorial Hospital, and on Med Flight for relevant programs. Clinical shift schedules depend on interest, availability, and department need.
How do I apply for a 3+1 opportunity?
Residents are encouraged to approach the Program Director about “3+1” opportunities at any point during their residency, but discussions most commonly occur during the PGY 3 year.
“I’ll never forget the amazing support and mentorship I found throughout my fellowship year from faculty members Ben [Schnapp] and Michelle [Hughes]. They taught me so many important life skills that I am proud to carry through to the next step in my career.”
– Polly Kennedy, MD, 3+1 Clinical Fellow with Simulation Focus, 2024-25