Starting in a new clinical setting can be intimidating, especially as an intern. Our close-knit ED care teams will welcome you as part of the family from day one.
ED shifts are spent working in step with our experienced faculty — who are engaged and passionate educators — as well as a dedicated care team of advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, social workers, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, case managers, and care coordinators who are deeply committed to supporting the residency program.
Our residents benefit from individual mentorship and near-peer support, a dedicated administrative support team, and collaborative partnerships with ED Nursing and allied specialties.
We promote a culture of regular feedback in which residents can connect with faculty after each shift. We utilize and are spearheading novel research in EPA-based assessment, and our program offers extensive faculty/resident partnership on research, QI, and education scholarship at a level that you won’t find elsewhere.
“The people here are everything. From faculty and residents to department leadership, I have always felt at home at UW and that my training is in great hands every step of the way. The sense of community drew me in from the first day I walked into the ED.” —Maddie Nikolai, MD, PGY-1 resident
Resident Well-being
At UW, resident well-being isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our Wellness Lead and resident-driven committee create community events and support systems, while giving each resident the space to define what wellness means to them — making balance and belonging an integral part of training. This combination of structure and flexibility ensures that wellness is not just a program initiative but a lived, evolving part of our residency culture.
Outside of work, residents take advantage of the many benefits Madison and the surrounding area have to offer. We frequently hold “Class Nights,” gather after work for group dinners, go for runs and bike rides, hike and camp in Wisconsin’s incredible state park system, or hang out at one of Madison’s many concert venues.
True to our Midwest ease, Wisconsin is consistently ranked one of the best places to live for quality of life. Madison was named #12 on the Happiest Cities in America for 2026, based on health and well-being, income and employment, and community and environment.
“One of my favorite parts of working in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UW is the culture of respect and honesty. That culture fosters a place where all people can bring their ideas to the table and have their voices heard.”
Jessica Schmidt, MD, MPH
Associate Professor & Director of Well-being
Supporting Personal & Professional Growth
Resident Coaching
Faculty-led small group coaching offers residents a safe, supportive framework for learning and growth and to create longitudinal relationships.
Women in Medicine
Open to all department physicians, this group leads activities centered on educating, connecting, and celebrating women in medicine and science.
Culturally Centered Care Curriculum
Our curriculum supports residents in being able to meet the unique needs of all patients and caregivers.
"Day by day, the growth felt subtle — almost unnoticeable — but looking back, I’m truly amazed at how far I’ve come. That progress wouldn’t have been possible without the support, guidance, and collaboration of the nurses, techs, co-residents, and attendings who have all played such a meaningful role in my development."
James Elliott, MD, MS, MEd, '25
Living in Madison
The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics are located in Madison, Wisconsin, the state’s capital and beloved isthmus city set between the two largest of five sparkling lakes boasting beautiful scenery and plentiful outdoor adventure year-round, as well as vibrant arts, culinary, education, technology, and biohealth hubs.
Madison is consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S. on measures ranging from fitness to food to family life. Some have even called it the best city ever!
Madison is the second largest and fastest growing city in the state with a city population of approximately 260,000 and a regional population of over one million. While boasting many big city amenities, Madison is an easy city in which to live.
There is plenty of green space within the city and tons of lakefront since it sits on an isthmus, but it’s also within 50 miles of 21 state parks, forests and recreation areas. Madison is a friendly, easy-to-navigate city that’s full of things to do and see—it’s a great and affordable place to live and work for both individuals and families.
