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

Grand Rounds: Gravelle presents We Built This Mistrust: Addressing the Legacy of Medical Harm in Ob-Gyn

On May 29, 2025, UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident John Gravelle, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “We Built This Mistrust: Addressing the Legacy of Medical Harm in Ob-Gyn.” In the lecture, Gravelle identified key historical and contemporary events driving medical mistrust in ob-gyn; described how systemic inequit... more

Grand Rounds: Luthardt presents Rural Maternal Health: Reflecting on the Past and Confronting the Present

On May 1, 2025, UW Department of Ob-Gyn resident Jackie Luthardt, MD, PGY-4, presented the Grand Rounds lecture “Rural Maternal Health: Reflecting on the Past and Confronting the Present.”In the lecture, Luthardt summarized the history of rural maternal and infant health, discussed rural maternity care deserts and the various... more

Department of Ob-Gyn brings research, leadership to the 2025 ACOG Annual Meeting

Faculty and trainees in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn brought research and leadership to the 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting in Minneapolis. ACOG hosted the conference May 16-18, 2025. Just some of their exciting accomplishments: Amy Domeyer-Klenske, MD, director o... more

Ob-Gyn residents host outreach session for SMPH students

On April 24, 2025, UW Department of Ob-Gyn residents hosted a diversity, equity, and inclusion session with UW School of Medicine and Public Health students. Around 20 students joined the session to learn more about DEI in the UW Department of Ob-Gyn residency and get some hands-on skills training from ob-gyn residents.Reside... more

Division of Reproductive Sciences brings research to 2025 SRI Annual Scientific Meeting

The Society for Reproductive Investigation hosted the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina March 25-29, 2025. Researchers from the UW Department of Ob-Gyn Division of Reproductive Sciences led sessions, gave presentations, and brought posters to the conference. Jessica Vazquez, PhD, moderated the sessio... more
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