Resident Experience

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.

“I love this program!! The most amazing, kind, hardworking, enthusiastic people.” —Rudi Zurbuchen, MD, ’23 (center)

“Our chiefs dropped off snacks for EM residents working in the ICU this month. If you’re #EMbound find yourself a program like UW that cares about you even when you’re not in the ED.”

– Adam Brown, MD, PGY 2

“Excellent emergency care is truly a team effort. The nurses, techs, child life and respiratory therapists are truly world-class and will be impossible to replace wherever I practice in the future.”

– Michael Fareri, MD, ’23

“The past three years have been packed with growth, friendships, and experiences that together have formed a very memorable period of my life that I will always take with me no matter my career leads me.”

– Christopher Ryba, MD, ‘21

“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 and director of global emergency medicine

Resident Well-being

At UW, we take seriously the issues of burnout and second victim syndrome. We’ve created the UW ED CARESTeam (Caregiver Assistance RESponse Team), a confidential and free resource to support any member of the ED team experiencing stress or the effects of second victim syndrome. Residents also have access to free personal counseling and consultation, child care assistance, and UW/UW Health sponsored wellness programs.

Resident retreats and quarterly book clubs foster resident bonding while educating us at the same time.

Residents in our program take advantage of the many benefits Madison and the surrounding area have to offer. We frequently 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 least stressed states in the nation.

“From the attendings, fellows, co-residents, APPs, nurses, techs and those with administrative roles, everyone has been genuinely nice and supportive while I’ve gained my footing as a physician. When I interviewed here for residency, I got a vibe these were inherently good people. I’m happy to say it wasn’t just for show. ”

Kirk Meyers, MD, MS, '22

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, and education 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.

Explore Madison in every season