Pathways

Pathway Information Sheets and Forms are found at the bottom of this page.

Pathways in Residency Education

A "Pathway" is a pre-established yet flexible set of experiences within our standard residency curriculum. Pathways allow interested residents to gain experience, knowledge, and skill in a topic area of interest, beyond the broad-based training available to all Madison resident family physicians.

Currently approved pathways:

Pathway Characteristics 

All pathways include individualized goals and objectives and a faculty sponsor who works closely with each resident in designing the experience. Opportunities within pathways may include a preferred continuity clinic location, academic course work if desired, specially-designed electives and rotation plans, as well as presentations or projects within the field of interest.  While the pathways all require some amount of elective time devoted to the area of interest (typically 4 weeks), they focus primarily on integrating the pathway interest into the standard curriculum that all residents complete.  The result is a rich experience in a sub-specialty area that still allows residents ample time to explore other interests.

Pathway "Nuts and Bolts"

Resident physicians in no way need to participate in pathways. All Madison residents will have solid knowledge in all pathway areas, but this experience is designed for those who want to graduate with superior expertise. Residents may apply for a Pathway at the time of their match with our program or within the first year of residency. Approval must be provided by a faculty sponsor and residency leadership. 

Completion of Pathway expectations will be noted in a resident's permanent educational record and can be described in letters of recommendation, but will not lead to special certification.

Interested in a Pathway that’s not on the list?

New Pathways are currently under development.  At the same time, it should be noted that the Pathways reflect how we approach resident curriculum planning: we build an individualized schedule for each resident that reflects his or her unique goals and interests.  So if you’re interested in a Pathway that has not yet been formalized, the residency educational team will help you create a curriculum that’s tailor-made to reflect your educational goals.

Pathway Funding Support

Third-year residents who are progressing on a declared pathway may apply for funding support to further their pathway-related training.  Funding will not exceed $1,000.00 per resident.  Residents must meet with Julia Smith, Business Office Manager (julia.smith@fammed.wisc.edu, 608-262-7755) prior to submitting their application to ensure proposed expenses meet approved criteria.  For residents on a standard residency calendar, applications should be submitted by July 31 of the resident’s R3 year.  For off-cycle residents, applications should be submitted no later than one (1) month after the start of their R3 year.  The application should be completed and submitted to the Residency Program Director.  Funding approval is limited and not guaranteed.  By accepting the funds, the resident agrees to submit a summary of their work to or be interviewed by DFMCH Communications.