Internal Medicine—Research Pathway IMPACT Program

Introduction

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) Department of Medicine’s Internal Medicine Residency's IMPACT Program (the Internal Medicine Pathway for Academic Career Training) offers both Basic Science and Clinical Investigator Research Pathways for applicants interested in academic research careers. One of the primary missions of the Department of Medicine is to train the next generation of physician-scientists who can conduct patient-based and population-based clinical research, “translate” basic science research into clinical medical practice, and pose the most relevant clinical questions that clinical and basic science experimentation needs to answer. The University of Wisconsin is a top-ranked biomedical research institution and an ideal setting for individuals to develop the academic building blocks necessary for a successful research career in internal medicine. UW research funding consistently ranks in the top 3 for public universities and the Department of Medicine ranks in the top 25 in the United States in NIH funding. Our pathway allows housestaff trainees to spend three years of protected time working with some of the most highly acclaimed, well funded and cutting-edge researchers in the United States. We are committed to the academic career development of physician-scientists, through formal course work, laboratory and clinical experience, and personal mentorship. In this rich research environment, our graduates will obtain the skills to become independent investigators in the field of their choice.

The internal medicine research pathway IMPACT Program is intended for medical school graduates who desire a career in basic science or clinical research. During the interview process and following the match in either our Categorical or Primary Care tracks, the trainee, program director and research mentor develop a plan specific to the career goals of the trainee. The program director’s office ensures that all trainees meet the clinical and research requirements of the American Board of Internal Medicine so that they are eligible for certification. The IMPACT Program can lead to certification in general internal medicine or both general internal medicine and a subspecialty of internal medicine. Residents who begin this pathway at the UW can request early acceptance to fellowships and research laboratories at our institution. Trainees may also transfer to other institutions if they wish to pursue a fellowship elsewhere.

Department of Medicine Sections

For a list of our programs and specialty sections, see http://www2.medicine.wisc.edu/home/dom/divisions-sections-main

In summary

The Department of Medicine’s Internal Medicine Residency Program is committed to fostering the academic career development of internal medicine trainees through an American Board of Internal Medicine-approved research pathway. The Department of Medicine has an established track record of offering flexible and individualized training to its residents. The University of Wisconsin is a nationally recognized research institution that is an ideal setting for postgraduate trainees to pursue physician-scientist careers so they may participate in and contribute to academic medicine.