Medical College of Wisconsin Rheumatology Fellowship Program

The primary mission of the Rheumatology Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is to provide clinical and research training to fellows who wish to study in an interdisciplinary environment and desire to achieve intellectually stimulating careers as productive rheumatologists. The program, two years in length, provides an opportunity for in-depth study and research of rheumatic diseases. The experience will result in trained physicians who ultimately can be academic or private practice rheumatologists with knowledge to practice, teach, and perform research.

Why become a fellow at MCW?

As a major academic medical center, and the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area, the Medical College of Wisconsin is a distinguished leader in the advanced training of physicians, researchers, pharmacists and health professionals. Together with its top-tier partner institutions, the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH) puts you at the forefront of advancement that’s improving the vitality of society.

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Reasons to live in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a one-of-a-kind city with a vibrant and diverse culture, this charming, yet metropolitan must-see is just 90 minutes north of Chicago and nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan. Whether you’re catching a show at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, immersing yourself in the old world charm of the Historic Third Ward or taking in the sights and sounds of one of the many cafés, beer gardens or restaurants that line the city’s riverbank and shoreline, Milwaukee never disappoints. Find out why MCW residents and fellows take pride in calling Milwaukee home.

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Program Details

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Application Information

Applications

The Rheumatology Fellowship Program uses the ERAS System and will participate in the National Resident Matching Program for available spots.

Stipends, Benefits, Visa Requirements, and Housestaff Life

For more information regarding stipends, benefits, visa requirements, and housestaff life please see our Graduate Medical Education page.

Visa sponsorship that will be accepted:

J-1 visa candidates (visa has to be sponsored by the ECFMG)

Benefits, Conditions & Terms of Employment

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Clinical Experience

Patients are seen at two separate venues:

Froedtert Hospital, a large academic medical center
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, an affiliate of the Medical College of Wisconsin

The fellows are exposed to inpatients and outpatients of diverse backgrounds and disease processes. Rheumatology fellows have weekly continuity clinics at both Froedtert Hospital and the VA Medical Center. They rotate on inpatient consultative service at both locations six months (three months at each site) in both years of their training. There is also a required rotation at the Children's Wisconsin where fellows work with prominent pediatric rheumatologists.

Procedures

The Rheumatology Fellowship Program teaches fellows clinical procedures associated with specific diseases. A major focus is the multitude of diagnostic laboratory testing procedures utilizing our dedicated rheumatology lab for evaluation of various rheumatic diseases. Diagnostic testing and procedures include but are not limited to: arthrocentesis and therapeutic injection, synovial fluid analysis, interpretation of results of specific rheumatologic laboratory tests, and assessment of radiographs of normal and diseases of joints. In addition, there are monthly musculoskeletal ultrasound workshops teaching the basics of ultrasonography over the course of the two year fellowship.

Conferences

As part of the fellowship program, conferences are held weekly, monthly, and quarterly. Weekly conferences include fellows’ curriculum series, journal clubs, case conferences, radiology conferences, and research conferences. There are rheumatology board review discussions monthly. On a quarterly basis, there are M & M, neuromuscular pathology, interstitial lung disease, and adult-peds rheum conferences.

Research

The fellows learn the necessary research techniques involved in the successful completion of their basic and clinical research projects. Each fellow is expected to complete a research project based on the fellow’s and mentor’s interest resulting in an abstract, a presentation and/or a publication. Fellows have the opportunity to participate in a formal research methodology course.

Program Leadership

David J. Gazeley, MD

Interim Chief, Associate Professor

Rheumatology Fellowship Program Director

Michael Putman, MD, MSCI

Assistant Professor

Associate Rheumatology Fellowship Program Director

Contact Us

Fellowship Coordinator Information

Julie Alexander
Education Program Coordinator II | Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Medicine – Educational Programs Divisions of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hematology and Oncology, Rheumatology, & Hospice and Palliative Care

(414) 955-0516
(414) 955-0093 (fax)