Interviewing and NRMP Match
As fall arrives, the temperatures begin to cool, the maple trees turn brilliant crimson red, and the Preventive Medicine Residency Program begins its annual recruitment cycle for two residents. Physicians who have completed at least one year of clinical training, apply to the program using the. ERAS system. Our team reviews all applications, typically ranging from 30-50 each year, and invites the most qualified to interview via Zoom.
This year, for the first time ever, the process is included in the NRMP (National Residency Matching Program), that is used by most clinical residency programs throughout the nation. Applicants and programs submit their rank lists in March, and the results are available on March 21st
Oneida Nation Field Experience
In October, our residents and leadership joined UW-Madison medical students in the Path of Distinction in Public Health (POD-PH), students from the Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP), and clinicians from the Public Health Leadership in Teaching and Engagement (PHLITE) program on a trip to the Oneida Harvest and Husking Bee. During this day trip, we learned about Oneida history and cultural traditions.
Wisconsin Partnership Program 20th Anniversary
Our program leadership celebrated with the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) as they celebrated their 20th anniversary, recognizing their shared commitment to advancing health and equity
Since 2004, WPP has fostered partnerships, supported medical research, and enhanced health education and workforce development, impacting communities across Wisconsin and embodying the Wisconsin Idea. WPP has been a key funder for our program since its inception.
We were happy to celebrate with friends and supporters of the program, including those pictured: Dr. Wajiha Akhtar and Emily Hyde from the Population Health Service Fellowship, Melissa Metoxen from NACHP, and Dr. Manish Shah from the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Resident Spotlight: Kandarp Shah (PGY3)
Our senior resident, Kandarp Shah, completed a rotation at the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ), as part of his Applied Practice Experience (APEX) in the MPH program. For his APEX project, he created a well-received obesity toolkit for employers. During his rotation at WCHQ, he worked closely with diverse stakeholders to align the project goals.
According to Jennifer Koberstein, Manager of Practice Transformation, “His clear communication and ability to foster collaboration were pivotal to the toolkit’s success, reflecting the qualities of an emerging leader in both public health and medicine.”
Faculty Spotlight: Jon Temte and Wajiha Akhtar
Jon Temte, MD, PhD is a PMR Program Faculty member, and Associate Dean for Public Health and Community Engagement, and Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. He also serves on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Vaccine Work Group and the Adult RSV Vaccine Work Group.
He is an active in our program, serving as a mentor for residents on their practicum rotation. He also serves as the chair of the PMR’s Program Evaluation Committee. This committee plays an important role in our program, and meets quarterly to review the program’s outcomes, curriculum, resident performance, and faculty development.
Dr. Temte is also active in his public health practice, communicating effectively about COVID-19. He was recently interviewed on Wisconsin Public Radio, in an interview entitled, “New COVID-19 vaccine coming to Wisconsin pharmacies soon. Here’s what to know”
Wajiha Akhtar, PhD, serves a PMR Affiliate Faculty, and the Assistant Director of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. In addition, she is the Program Director of the UW’s Population Health Service Fellowship. She was also recently recognized as one of Wisconsin’s 38 Most Influential Asian American Leaders for 2024
Since the fellowship launched in 2004 with a grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP), 104 fellows have completed it and begun working in 50 organizations across the state. It was recently featured by the WPP: Wisconsin Population Health Fellowship Program Turns 20. Over the years, the preventive medicine residents have participated in the fellowship program in various ways. This year, the residents are joining the Population Health Service fellows for 3 meetings focusing on health equity and interdisciplinary teams in public health.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight: Karina Atwell
Karina Atwell, MD, MPH, who was in our inaugural cohort (PMR 2014-2016) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. Last year she received a 2023 Dr. Stephen Turner Residency Director and Faculty Scholarship. The scholarship funded Dr. Atwell’s American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification and attendance to the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference. And we are excited that she is currently working with the PMR Program to develop a Lifestyle Medicine curriculum for our residents.