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. A fellowship offers advanced training, mentorship, and protected time for scholarship. Many of our residents choose to pursue this path as a way to deepen their skills, advance the science and practice of emergency medicine, and prepare for leadership roles within 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 healthcare 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.
We offer several accredited and subspecialty fellowships for trainees to gain vital skills and credentials to shape patient care, education, and research. All links open in a new tab.
- 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 in 2028!
- Ultrasound
“3+1” Residency Program Model
Our optional “3+1” program offers current UW emergency medicine residents the opportunity to apply for an additional year of focused training after residency. Structured as a choose-your-own-pathway experience, the program gives participants flexibility to build around their career interests within a faculty-guided plan with defined goals.
Participants receive dedicated mentorship and protected time for scholarship while working approximately eight attending shifts per month.
We welcome new ideas for non-traditional or hybrid experiences, if residents have a clear focus that supports their long-term career goals. Past residents have developed experiences combining areas such as physician wellness through research, creative writing, and departmental engagement projects.
“3+1” Program FAQs
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Who is eligible for the 3+1 program?
The “3+1” program is available exclusively to University of Wisconsin Emergency Medicine residents through an application process. Candidates from other institutions may apply to our fellowship programs; requirements vary by program.
Why should I consider a 3+1 program?
The program is designed for UW residents who want an additional year to develop deeper expertise in a focused area of emergency medicine while beginning their careers as attending physicians.
Residents may pursue an established niche pathway or propose a new area of focus with faculty sponsorship. Each plan should include defined educational or scholarly goals and a structured approach to how the year will support the resident’s long-term career development.
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 a traditional PGY-4 year or accredited fellowship. Learn more about GME Compensation and Benefits.
How many shifts will I work each month?
Participants typically work approximately eight clinical shifts per month, although schedules vary by pathway and individual plan. Additional compensation is available via moonlighting.
Where will I work?
“3+1” program participants may work at University Hospital, East Madison Hospital, Beloit Memorial Hospital, and/or Beaver Dam Hospital emergency departments. Clinical shift schedules depend on interest, availability, and departmental need.
How do I apply for a 3+1 opportunity?
Residents interested in a “3+1” year should discuss their goals with the Program Director and apply through the program’s internal process. Conversations can begin at any point during residency, but applications must be submitted by October of the PGY-3 year.
As part of the process, applicants work with faculty to develop a focused plan for the year, including the area of concentration, mentorship, educational or scholarly goals, and anticipated clinical experience.
“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