Medical College of Wisconsin Applauds Governor Evers, State Legislature For Supporting Investments in a New Eye Institute Facility and Family Medicine Residency Program

Milwaukee, July 3, 2025 – Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed the state’s biennial budget that included funding for the development and construction of a new Eye Institute facility at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and an increased investment for MCW’s family medicine residency program to continue growing the physician workforce in Wisconsin.

In response, MCW President and CEO John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, issued this statement:

“I want to thank Governor Evers and the State Legislature for including in the budget a $10 million State Building Commission grant for a new Eye Institute facility to be located on the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Milwaukee campus. This investment will help support the development, construction and equipping of the physical infrastructure of the project, dedicated to expanding research space and high-tech facilities that will advance eye care in Wisconsin and the nation, as well as train future ophthalmologists. Once complete, we expect this new facility will allow for an up to 50 percent growth in space dedicated to cutting-edge research.

“We’re also grateful that the state budget signed today includes a $750,000 increase in funding for MCW’s family medicine residency program, which plays a critical role in training Wisconsin’s next generation of physicians and building the state’s healthcare workforce. With more than 60 percent of graduates from our family medicine residency program staying to practice in Wisconsin, the state’s continued support for this program will further help to address Wisconsin’s physician staffing shortage and expand access to primary care in all corners of the state.

“MCW appreciates its continued partnership with the State of Wisconsin as we work together to build healthy communities.”