Recruitment / Selection Policies for UWHC/VA Combined Residency Program Pathology & Laboratory Medicine*
The Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Residency Program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, offers training in Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology (AP/CP), AP-only training, CP-only training, as well as the ability to combine a PSTP track with your single-track training. Special consideration given to applicants who wants a PSTP track combined with a dual-track residency.
*IMPORTANT NOTE*
For matched residents, the start date will be no less than four business days prior to June 24 of each year. Please plan on being settled in two at least a week or two prior to ensure all VA and Employee Health requirements can be met on time.
All matched residents must live within 30 minutes of University Hospital for call purposes starting in their second year of training. This is to help decide how far one can live if they were to match here and purchasing or renting a home outside of Madison.
In the future, there will be a split of services at both hospitals in Madison – one in central/near west Madison and one on the far east side of Madison off of the interstate. At this time it is still several years off and will update this information once that change is imminent.
US Graduates
- Applicants must apply by October 20, 2026 through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Application materials should include/fulfill the following requirements:
- 3 letters of recommendation
- MSPE (Dean’s letter)
- Official transcript
- USMLE or COMLEX scores: Passing Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 on the first attempt is required. Step 3 and 3 scores or COMEX Level 2 and 3 scores are not required for application, however, successful completion of Step 2/Level 2 is required prior to rank list deadline. Step 3 scores are helpful, but not required. However, it will be required by year two in order to obtain the required full medical license prior to the start of PGY3.
- Not more than 8 years from receipt of M.D./D.O. degree
- Interviews will be granted on the basis of academic achievement, evaluation of personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
- Applicants must complete an application form and provide appropriate documentation via ERAS. Our program applicant deadline is October 20, 2026.
- Official transcript
- A copy of current and valid ECFMG certificate
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Dean’s letter (MSPE)
- Official Medical School transcript
- USMLE score(s): Passing Step 1 and Step 2 on the first attempt is required. Step 3 scores are helpful, but not required. However, it will be required by year two in order to obtain the required full medical license prior to the start of PGY3. To satisfy the clinical skills requirement and the communication skills requirement for ECFMG Certification, IMGs must:
- Complete an ECFMG Pathway, which includes attaining a satisfactory score on the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine, OR
- Have a passing score on the first attempt performance on the former Step 2 CS component of USMLE that is valid for ECFMG Certification.
Graduates of medical schools outside the U.S. or Canada who are certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and meet one of the following criteria:
- Have US citizenship;
- Have permanent legal residency status in the US (green card); or
- Have or be eligible to hold a J-1 Clinical Visa sponsored by ECFMG. Note: University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics will not sponsor H-1 (temporary worker) visas.Learn more at http://www.uwhealth.org/health-professionals/gme/graduate-medical-education-applicants/26184
- Not more than 8 years from medical school graduation
- Preference is given to those with US clinical experience
2. Interviews will be granted on the basis of academic achievement, evaluation of personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
3. Additional consideration will be given to graduates who have successfully completed an advanced degree other than the M.D. or its equivalent, who are currently in an ACGME accredited residency training program, or who have additional clinical experience.
2026-27 Resident Recruitment Interview Dates
Interviews will be conducted virtually from October 30, 2026 – January 14, 2027 (subject to extra dates if needed). A wide array of interview dates and times will be offered in order to help ensure that candidates in different time zones are able to find a suitable interview slot. The first interview invitations will not go out until Wednesday, October 15, 2026, in keeping with the new unified timeline for pathology residency programs. You will have no less than 48 hours to respond. After 48 hours with no response, we will continue to move down our list.
2026 Virtual Open House
Thursday, August 27, 2026: 5:30-6:30 PM CST
Register in advance for this meeting:
Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026: 5:00-6:00 PM CST
Register in advance for this meeting:
Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Wednesday, September 9, 2026: 5:30-6:30 PM CST
Register in advance for this meeting:
Register Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
* In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American Disability Act of 1990, the University of Wisconsin does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; its admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment.
Selection of residents follows guidelines established by the ACGME as described in the Institutional Requirements Section IV.A (ACGME Institutional Requirements)