The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) welcomes fourth-year medical students from across the country who are interested in emergency medicine. Our faculty are passionate about teaching and eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the specialty.
We offer a range of experiences tailored to student interests. Our Advanced Elective rotation gives students the opportunity to independently manage acutely ill patients with a wide variety of conditions. Students also take part in advanced simulation exercises that build teamwork and decision-making skills under pressure. Consistently rated as one of the top electives in the medical school, this rotation is designed to provide an exceptional learning experience.
We offer rotations August through October for visiting students applying to residency in emergency medicine. Dates and application instructions for applying to a visiting student rotation with the UW Emergency Medicine program can be found here.
For further information on the UW SMPH application process, please reference the medical school website.
Visiting Student Rotation
Dates and Application Instructions
Summer/Fall Rotation Dates
- August 3-28, 2026
- August 31 to September 25, 2026
- September 28 to October 23, 2026
VSLO applications for 2026 rotations will open on March 9 for viewing and on March 23 for submissions. Approvals will begin April 6 and continue on a rolling basis.
Students accepted for a rotation at UW must also complete all post-decision requirements on VSLO. Failure to complete or adhere to any post-decision requirements will result in cancellation of the clerkship.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, Canadian citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Currently enrolled in an LCME or AOA accredited medical school
- In their final year of training at the time they will be rotating at the School of Medicine and Public Health
- Passing score on USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX
The Department of Emergency Medicine does not accept international visiting students, per UW SMPH policy. There are no exceptions to these criteria.
Scholarship Support
For Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
Students are welcome to apply for both rotation scholarships linked below; however, recipients will be selected for only one award. We’re happy to answer any questions and talk through which opportunity might be the best fit for you — please feel free to reach out at nrhagen@medicine.wisc.edu.
