Central Wisconsin's cultural diversity, activities and attractions offer something for everyone.

Learn more about Central Wisconsin

The Central Wisconsin Psychiatry Residency Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

We do consider and accept qualified IMG doctors. We review a number of items on the application. Successful applicants to our program often have USMLE scores above 200 (or comparable COMLEX) and have passed on their first attempt. We also look at prior psychiatric experience at the residency level and evidence of a command of the English language. Evidence of a passion for a career in psychiatry and a social conscience are also valued. There are no absolute cut-off points, but these are factors we consider in reviewing the hundreds of applications we receive each year. There are some specific requirements listed below. After the entire application is reviewed, and, based on the application’s merit, an applicant would be selected to interview for our program. Our department does not routinely offer observership, externships or pre-match positions.

For application to our program, we require via ERAS:

• Application
• Four (4) letters of recommendation
• Dean’s letter
• Transcripts
• Personal statement or letter of intent
• CV
• USMLE Step I and Step II transcripts or COMLEX steps 1 & 2 transcripts
• We accept J-1 and H-1B visas.

Although the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is willing to pursue an H-1B visa on your behalf, there is no guarantee that it will be successful. The Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals’ ability to continue to claim H-1B exemptions for applicants remains unsettled. On April 28, 2011, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) stated it is reviewing its policy on H-1B cap exemptions for non-profit entities (like MCWAH) that are affiliated with an institution of higher education (like MCW). Until further guidance is issued, USCIS is applying interim procedures to allow organizations like MCWAH to pursue H-1B cap exemptions. Unless determined to be exempt, H-1B petitions are subject to a statutory limit that would make the visa process availability and timing very unpredictable for those pursuing a GME program at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals.

Applicants must have an appropriate visa to begin Graduate Medical Education with the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. If a candidate does not obtain an appropriate visa that permits MCWAH to employ him/her on the designated start date, the training position will not be held and may be offered to another candidate.

Learn more about visa requirements from MCWAH

The MCWAH Board of Directors met on December 15, 2021 and established the following annual housestaff stipend levels for the academic year beginning July 1, 2022:

PGY1 - $65,180
PGY2 - $66,310
PGY3 - $67,440
PGY4 - $68,580

Note that, as of 7/1/22 (2022/23 academic year), the working condition fringe benefit annual payment of $1,500 will be retired and will no longer be paid in December and June installments after 6/30/22. Instead, $1,500 has been added to and included in the above listed stipend levels as of 7/1/22. Overall, there is no change for the housestaff other than the amount becoming a part of the stipend that is paid on a monthly basis instead of being paid as a separate benefit.

Additional Benefits

• Vacation - 3 weeks
• Education Leave - 5 days (beginning in the PGY2 year)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Liability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

Learn more about program benefits from MCWAH