Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Inc. (MCWAH)/GME Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that some housestaff do not have social security numbers (SSN) at this time. Please list 000-00-0000 on the form. We will be sending information regarding obtaining your SSN in May.

Please send an email to gme_forms@mcw.edu for further instructions.

You will need to see your own physician or nurse practitioner before you start. Internal Occupational Health cannot give physicals to the housestaff.

Current benefits information is available on the MCWAH Benefits, Conditions, and Terms of Employment webpage. Enrollment information will be emailed to your MCW email address in May from gme_benefits@mcw.edu.

If you have specific questions, please contact us at gme_benefits@mcw.edu.

Learn more about MCWAH benefits, conditions, and terms of employment

Contracts are not issued until June 1. We are happy to provide you with a letter of employment which has your employment dates and salary. Please contact us at gme@mcw.edu if you require a letter of employment. An example of the current year’s contract is available on the MCWAH Benefits, Conditions, and Terms of Employment webpage.

Please note, the example is not your actual contract; you will receive that via DocuSign. Please do not print the sample and try to use it as your contract.

View a sample employment contract

Please list your current address on the forms. You will be responsible for verifying that your current, local address is updated in the Workday system and will have access to update that information on June 15.

No. You can continue this process and notify MCWAH once you have met either of these requirements. (Only housestaff who have a Wisconsin Medical License are eligible for a DEA number to prescribe in Wisconsin. If you have neither, please leave it blank.)

Yes, please include either a driver’s license, county/state identification card or passport in either a PDF or JPG format. You will attach the copy of your identification card at the end of the MCWAH Employment Application (personalized link emailed to you on April 1 from gme_forms@mcw.edu).

No, DO NOT WAIT as all residents must obtain an REL prior to the start of GME training. Residents cannot start without meeting this licensure requirement. The State of Wisconsin requires at least two months processing time to issue an REL. Please complete your REL application online through LicensE now.

The MCWAH office completes the Affidavit of Hospital Authority (Form 2601); please provide Form 2601 to gme_license@mcw.edu.

** If you are an incoming fellow or have a full, unrestricted Wisconsin Medical license, you DO NOT need an REL**

Important timing requirements from the MCWAH Licensure Process Guide

1. If you completed less than two years of previous accredited GME in the USA, prior to starting with MCWAH, you will be required to obtain a Wisconsin medical license prior to completing a total of 28 months of accredited GME training, regardless of where it was done.
2. If you completed two years of accredited GME in the USA, prior to starting with MCWAH, you are required to obtain a Wisconsin medical license within 4 months of starting with MCWAH. Start the process now. See MCWAH’s Licensure Process Guide (PDF).
3. If you have already completed more than 28 months of previous accredited GME in the USA, and will be a Resident, you should apply for a WI medical license now. There are a variety of circumstances that may allow a resident to start with a Resident Educational License (REL), but do not assume anything.

Questions about licensing

• Questions about the DSPS online application system, please use the LicensE “Request Support” feature.
• Questions about the MCWAH license process guide or GME training requirements can be directed to Maria Gascoigne (mgasco@mcw.edu).

Incoming Housestaff that are not practicing in Wisconsin but have received a Wisconsin license prior to their employment with MCWAH, should claim an exemption from the IPFCF from the date of Wisconsin licensure to MCWAH’s start date (ex. 7/1/26). The exemption form should be filed through your IPFCF Portal account.

Housestaff should never claim an IPFCF exemption during MCWAH GME training years.

To access your IPFCF account, please see the login instructions on the IPFCF website (PDF). Pages 1-4 are applicable to MCWAH Housestaff.

To claim an exemption: Log into your account. On the Home Screen, click “exemption forms.” Follow the IPFCF steps to complete the exemption process (pages 14-20 from the above link).

Should you have further questions regarding this process, please contact the IPFCF directly.

MCWAH will add you to our professional liability policy with Coverys ProSelect Insurance and the IPFCF effective on your MCWAH start date.