The University of Wisconsin internal medicine residency program strives for a culture in which the values of diversity, equity and inclusion are infused into all of our clinical, teaching and research activities.

We hope to foster a culturally rich, diverse and welcoming learning environment in which trainees learn to provide individualized care to patients with diverse ethnic, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds across the gender spectrum. We are working hard to attract learners who want to contribute to this goal.

How We Support Residents

Institutional Partnerships

We work closely with institutional partners on activities that promote the recruitment, development and retention of residents, fellows, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds.

Affinity Groups

The UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement hosts Affinity Group Gatherings to help faculty and staff with underrepresented and/or marginalized identities come together to build community, make connections and share resources.

Culturally Responsive Mentoring

We are creating a robust mentoring structure that will help faculty become more effective, culturally aware mentors. This program will ensure that residents from underrepresented backgrounds receive the support they need for success in their training and future careers.

Curriculum for All Residents

All internal medicine residents receive a robust anti-racist clinical skills curriculum that runs through all three years of training.

Didactic sessions include:

  • Implicit bias training
  • An introduction to race and bias in medicine
  • Upstander training
  • Critical appraisal of the use of race in the medical literature.

Simulation exercises include:

  • Microaggression response training
  • Upstander simulations
  • Trauma-informed care
Grand Rounds Lectures

View recent Department of Medicine Grand Rounds focused on diversity, equity and inclusion topics:

Meet our Director of Residency Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

"I work to ensure that residents have positive, identity-affirming experiences that support their career development and overall wellbeing. My colleagues and I also work to identify and dismantle the barriers that individuals from historically underrepresented background in medicine and other minoritized groups can encounter during training."

Portrait of Andrea Schnell, MD

What Residents Say About Dr. Schnell

"Dr. Schnell is an inspiring role model, advocate for residents, and outstanding physician. Working with her the last month has been meaningful for me as I navigate career options within general internal medicine.

She has a positive energy that lifts up everyone around her and makes even the busiest day more fun. Thank you, Dr. Schnell, for sharing your talents and kindness with residents. We are beyond grateful for you."