The Cardiovascular Medicine program at UW has the good fortune of being located in Madison, a city of more than 200,000 in south central Wisconsin. Madison enjoys a unique physical setting surrounded by five lakes. Wisconsin's capitol city is sited on an isthmus between two of these, affording fabulous views from downtown, the UW campus and UW Hospital. Madison has been ranked as the 'Best City in the Nation' by Money Magazine, and usually is counted among the top ten in rankings of most livable cities based on unusually low crime and unemployment rates, fine schools, a robust infrastructure supporting an intellectually exciting environment, and abundant parks and recreational areas.

Madison is a literate, arts-friendly city featuring numerous concert, dance, opera and theater performances and art galleries. As the state capitol, it attracts a variety of professionals in politics, banking and insurance, in addition to the UW academic faculty and staff. Outdoor activities in the Madison area are endless in both summer and winter. The University's outstanding sports programs (back-to-back Rose Bowl victories, championships in hockey, crew, basketball, volleyball and cross-country) provide ample opportunity for spectators as well as participants. The New York Times has described Madison as 'diverse, intellectual, fashionable and moderately hedonistic.' It is the ideal environment in which to pursue both outstanding professional achievement and a high quality of life.