Residency - Rural Residency Program

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (UW Ob-Gyn) is proud to offer a rural residency training track - the first in the nation to offer specific training for rural women's health. The state of Wisconsin and the nation as a whole face an increasing shortage of physicians, especially in rural areas.

In response, UW Ob-Gyn has developed strategic partnerships with rural Wisconsin hospitals where rural-track residents will train to provide excellent specialty care to rural women. In line with the Wisconsin Idea - the principle that the university should benefit people far beyond the borders of our campus - UW Ob-Gyn is committed to improving the quality of life for women across Wisconsin and beyond.

Who should apply?

If you are inspired to practice medicine in rural areas in Wisconsin, you are encouraged to apply. Ideal applicants will have had meaningful experiences with rural communities and an enduring commitment to providing health care to women in rural Wisconsin. Applicants should have a solid record of community involvement and a strong interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Rural Track Program will be a separate MATCH from the parent program. On ERAS when selecting UW-Madison’s program in the drop down, there will be an additional dropdown box for the rural track. You may apply for both programs if interested.

Rural Track Curriculum

Over the four training years, the rural track resident will complete approximately 20% of their training at three rural sites. Each rural rotation will be three weeks long, and you will be able to stay within that community.

The training sites include Baldwin, Monroe and Marshfield:

In Baldwin, residents train at Western Wisconsin Health. While in Monroe, residents train at SSM Health Monroe Hospital. During the Marshfield rotation, residents train at Marshfield Medical Center.

Rural Residency in the News

UW SMPH Department of Ob-Gyn thanks rural training partners on National Rural Health Day 2023

As the state of Wisconsin celebrates National Rural Health Day on November 16, 2023, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology would like to thank the physicians and partners across Wisconsin who are training future ob-gyn physicians in rural practice.The UW–Madis... more

Jacques and VCAT team publish in Medical Education Online

Laura Jacques, MD, associate professor in the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, is the senior author on a new study about online values clarification workshops in Medical Education Online. Co-authors on the study include Margaret Williams, MD, PGY-3; Elise Cowley; Taryn Valley; Alma Farooque, MD, PGY-1; Zo... more

Celebrate the UW Ob-Gyn Education Office on GME Professionals Day 2023

The third Friday in August is National Graduate Medical Education (GME) Professionals Day, an opportunity to recognize the work of professionals at all levels of graduate medical education. Please help us thank the amazing individuals in the UW Ob-Gyn Education Office!Providing a high-quality, comprehensive educational experi... more

Cutler and Cox to become Associate Program Directors of UW Ob-Gyn Residency

Abigail Cutler, MD, MPH, assistant professor in the Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and Caroline Cox, MD, incoming assistant professor in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, will become Associate Program Directors of the UW Ob-Gyn Residency Program in September 2023. Cutler and Cox w... more

Spencer to present WCRGME Rural Medicine Grand Rounds on August 9

Ryan Spencer, MD, MS, associate professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Residency Program Director, will present the first-ever Wisconsin Collaborative for Rural GME Rural Medicine Grand Rounds on August 9, 2023!Spencer will present the lecture “Maternal Deserts” via Zoom from 12-1pm.Meeting ID: 895 0272 6489Pas... more
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