Wisconsin Hospital Association Praises Medical College of Wisconsin on Announcement to Expand Medical School Campuses

Attribute this statement to WHA President Steve Brenton:

“A 2011 report by the Wisconsin Hospital Association reveals that Wisconsin faces a major physician shortage by the year 2030 if action is not taken soon.

The report identifies a number of options that can be taken to educate more students in our medical schools through the use of new and innovative education models.

After the report was released, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) almost immediately began gathering information and meeting with health care and community leaders across Wisconsin. Those discussions have resulted in the announcement today, which has the full support of our Association.

We know that students who go to a Wisconsin medical school, and then complete a Wisconsin residency are 86% more likely to stay in Wisconsin to practice medicine. MCW’s move to expand their campus to educate medical students in Central Wisconsin and Green Bay, means that students will have an opportunity to receive a superb education and then hopefully stay in Wisconsin and practice medicine.

There is much work to be done to ensure that when these students complete medical school, there are enough slots open in residency programs for them to complete their training in Wisconsin.  We are confident Wisconsin hospitals and systems in partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin, communities, business, and government-all working together-will make this happen.”