Residency - Rural Residency Track

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 Residency Track will be a separate MATCH from the parent program. 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. Residents also rotate to Reedsburg, where they train at the Reedsburg Area Medical Center. 

Rural Residency in the News

UW Department of Ob-Gyn at ACOG Congressional Leadership Conference 2026

Faculty and residents from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn attended the Congressional Leadership Conference, hosted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Washington, D.C., March 8-10, 2026. The theme of this year’s event was Ob-Gyns in Action: Transforming Expertise into Influence, highlighting the ways ob... more

Celebrating trainees on Thank A Resident Day 2026

The last Friday of every February is Thank a Resident Day, a day led by the Gold Humanism Honor Society to show gratitude for the integral role physician trainees have in our health care team.Training residents and fellows is one of the most important functions as a clinical department in the UW School of Medicine and Public ... more

Residents celebrate 2026 ACOG Resident Wellbeing Week

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) partner each year to raise awareness of and celebrate the critical importance of physician wellness during Resident Wellbeing Week. This year, UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents celebrated t... more

Naik selected to join Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society

UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Aaditi Naik, MD, PGY-4, has recently been selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society! Naik was selected for induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society as a member of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Alpha Omega Alpha is a medical honor soc... more

Ahrendt, Badger selected as ACOG Junior Fellow Section Vice Chairs

UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents Taylor Badger, MD, PGY-2, and Hannah Ahrendt, MD, PGY-1, are the newly elected ACOG Junior Fellow Section Vice Chairs! As Section Vice Chairs, they are also members of the District VI Junior Fellow District Advisory Council. The Junior Fellow Section vice chair/chair position is a two-year te... more
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