Q&A with Nicholas Genthe, MD (he/him), incoming assistant professor of emergency medicine
Educational background: I attended University of Wisconsin–Madison for my bachelors degree in biochemistry; I also completed a global health certificate and spent a summer in Tanzania focused on HIV and sexual health work. Throughout college, I worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at UW Hospital and as a lab assistant in a biochemistry lab, which gave me early exposure to both clinical care and research. After completing my medical studies at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, I was thrilled to stay at UW for my emergency medicine residency and serve as chief resident in my final year.
Following residency, I matched into an ACGME-accredited EMS fellowship with the Department of Emergency Medicine. As part of my fellowship — and now faculty appointment — I spend part of my clinical time with Med Flight, the premier air and ground critical care transport and retrieval service that is part of UW Health.
Do you have an area of clinical interest, and how did you get into it? My passion in EMS lies in education, training both urban and rural paramedics and supporting physician-led field response. During my residency and EMS fellowship, I saw how hands-on simulation and real-world experience transform provider confidence and patient outcomes. I’m excited to advance practical, evidence-based training for all EMS teams and mentor the next generation of prehospital leaders. I’m am also involved with the department-led Wisconsin STARS for Children program, and look forward to helping to deliver pediatric focused education to the rural agencies in Green Lake County.
Why are you interested in continuing your career at DEM/UW?? I grew up in this community, so continuing my career at UW and within DEM feels like coming full circle. It’s an honor to serve the region that shaped me, and I’m excited to contribute to a department that values innovation, collaboration, and community-focused care.
What do you hope trainees will learn from you and your work? I hope trainees come away with a deep respect for the high-quality care delivered every day by our prehospital colleagues, and recognize the powerful role they themselves can play outside the walls of the ED. Emergency care doesn’t start at the door, and their impact in the field can shape outcomes and strengthen entire communities.
My first job: My first job was as a lifeguard at the Mazomanie pool, where I eventually became the manager. In high school and college, I also sold firewood on the side.
What are your favorite things to do in the Greater Madison area? What I love most about Madison and the surrounding area is the balance of energy and escape. I enjoy time on the lakes, relaxing at the Terrace, and exploring the local food scene, but I also love getting into the outdoors to hunt, fish, hike, and camp which is easily accomplished in surrounding rural communities.
Is there any message you would like to share with our area first responders during EMS Week? To all our area first responders, thank you for the incredible work you do every single day. One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to teach and learn alongside you. Your dedication to providing excellent care and your constant drive to improve are truly inspiring. I’m proud to be part of this community and to support the amazing work you do.