Medical Student Education in Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin
Visiting Students
We appreciate your interest the Medical College of Wisconsin M4/Phase 3 Emergency Medicine Rotation.
About MCW’s Emergency Medicine Rotation
Applications open in March on VSLO and offers will be made on a rolling basis.
Our pod system allows our students to work 1:1:1 with a resident and attending, and our M4 students will take responsibility for their patients as acting interns, providing excellent experience in preparation for residency. Medical students take part in our trauma activations, medical resuscitations, POCUS, and bedside procedures. The volume and acuity at Froedtert Hospital creates plenty of learning opportunities.
Our 1:1:1 shift setup allows our faculty to provide verbal feedback during and after each shift you our students. Our clerkship team will meet with you during the rotation to discuss opportunities for further growth and to offer advising for the upcoming residency application season. All M4 rotating students will be offered an EM SLOE at the end of the rotation for their residency application.
Monday mornings are blocked off of the schedule for student-specific didactics, workshops, and simulation sessions. Thursday mornings are blocked off of the schedule so our M4s can attend weekly resident conference which include a blend of lectures, faculty grand rounds, simulation, and guest speakers.
Summer and Fall are also great times of year to be in Milwaukee, the “City of Festivals” and celebrate music, art, food, drink and cultures from all over the globe. Explore the city’s network of parks and trails and soak up the Lake Michigan shoreline and beaches.
Sub-Specialty Emergency Medicine Rotations for Visiting Students
In addition to our M4 Emergency Medicine Rotation, we’re excited to offer our M4 EM Ultrasound and Toxicology rotations to visiting students! Applications open up on April 1 on VSLO and offers will be made on a rolling basis.
Visiting Student Testimonials
“I think that the biggest draw for me was the level of acuity that we were seeing and the ability that we had to get involved during the rotation. It was more than an audition rotation, my M4 rotation was my first opportunity to get exposed to sick medical and trauma patients. There were so many opportunities to get involved with the trauma team and also to get unparalleled access to procedures. After my rotation, I felt much more confident in my skillset as an upcoming ED intern. The faculty are outstanding and were super involved in wanting to help assess my strengths and work on my weaknesses. Overall, this was the best rotation I had during medical school, and my experiences were a large part of the reason why I wanted to come back to MCW for residency!”
Ryan Laffin, MD
MCW EM Class of 2027
“Rotating at MCW during my fourth year of medical school was a great experience. As a level 1 trauma center, I was provided with a wide variety of clinical encounters and diverse patient presentations. I was able to interact with residents and attendings who were both supportive and engaging, which made my time even more rewarding. I would recommend rotating here if you are interested in emergency medicine!”
Clara Olson, MD
MCW EM Class of 2027
“For one, I really valued that at the end of every shift, the attending I worked with would pull me aside and give individual feedback regarding how they think the shift went and also ask for my input on their teaching. It promoted a collaborative environment in which I felt welcomed in as a learner. Also, the residents were super nice and welcoming to me. They answered any question I had regarding the program and Milwaukee as a city to live in. Even as a visiting medical student, I never felt disposable to the various team members I would work with, including the nurses and techs! The Froedtert ED really emphasizes an inclusive environment for everyone to feel comfortable in, no matter which level of training they are currently in.”
Melanie Domann, DO
MCW EM Class of 2027
Visiting Students Application Process
We participate in the VSLO application process, and accept advanced students from July through November. Applications open on April 1 on VSLO and we will make offers on a rolling basis.
Additional Resources
Job Shadow/Observer Opportunities
Looking for medical school experience? Finding your passion? Interested in working with vulnerable populations?
If so, a voluntary job shadow/observation in Emergency Medicine is a privileged opportunity to see and experience the challenges our patients encounter. We want you to see and learn as much as possible in the ED—feel free to ask questions not just about patients, but also about medicine in general and what life is like working in the field, etc.
Eligibility
- At least 16 years old (parent/guardian signature required if under 18)
- Must be fully vaccinated (see health requirements); no exceptions
- May not have direct contact with patients, medical records or equipment
- Dress code is business casual or scrubs
Apply
To be considered, you must download, complete and submit the Observer Application Form with required vaccination documentation to EM-Student@mcw.edu; please include the reason for your interest.
Applying does not guarantee placement. Once approved, we will work with you to schedule one or two four-hour opportunities.
Download the Observer Application Form (PDF)
View health requirements for the job shadow/observer experience (PDF)
Meet the Team
Alisa Hayes, MD, MSAM
Associate Professor; Vice Chair for Education and Training; UME Director
Christopher G. Torkilsen, DO, FACEP, FAAEM
Assistant Professor; Emergency Medicine Clerkship Co-Director, Phase 2
Kevin J. McGurk, MD, FAAEM
Assistant Professor; Emergency Medicine Clerkship Co-Director, Phase 2
McKenna J. Knych, MD
Assistant Professor; Co-Clerkship Director, M4/Phase 3 Emergency Medicine Elective; Course Director, Community Emergency Medicine
Thaddeus (Tad) Schmitt, MD
Assistant Professor; Co-Clerkship Director, M4/Phase 3 Emergency Medicine Elective
Contact Us
Department of Emergency Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Hub for Collaborative Medicine
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
EM-Student@mcw.edu
