Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, WWH
BALDWIN, WI – In 2023, Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) embarked on a partnership with the University of Wisconsin (UW) Madison to bolster the General Surgery Residency-Rural program. This initiative aims to equip aspiring surgeons with a diverse skill set necessary to cater to the healthcare needs of rural communities.
Currently, UW Madison student Dr. Caroline Cardenas is undergoing her first round of residency at WWH. With a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Psychology from Helena, Montana, Dr. Cardenas earned her Medical Degree from Boston University. She is presently in her third year of a five-year post-graduate general surgery training, focusing on a spectrum of surgical procedures encompassing abdomen, digestive tract, breast, skin, trauma-related injuries, and various other conditions.
When asked about her commitment to the Rural Surgical Program, Dr. Cardenas expressed her gratitude, stating “I feel privileged to be part of the University of Wisconsin Rural surgery program. I applied to this program because it offers the “best of both worlds,” enabling me to receive training at a highly specialized academic center as well as in the rural communities of Wisconsin. What particularly attracted me to the rural track is my aspiration for a community-based practice, which not only demands a distinct skill set but, more significantly, allows for active involvement in and service to the community, fostering a more meaningful career.”
While at WWH Dr. Cardenas is collaborating closely with general surgeons Dr. Peter Dahlberg, Dr. Wendy Liu, and Dr. Ranjit Singh. Engaging in one-on-one sessions with these seasoned physicians, she is gaining exposure to both traditional open procedures and robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Cardenas expressed her enthusiasm for absorbing the wealth of knowledge accumulated by her mentors throughout their careers.
WWH remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering opportunities like this to nurture the professional development of medical practitioners dedicated to delivering high-quality care in rural settings. Eilidh Pederson, CEO of WWH, emphasized the importance of supporting workforce growth, stating, “Supporting the growth of our workforce is imperative to our future success.”
To date WWH has hosted two Surgical Residence through the UW Madison rural program, each spending two separate one-month rotations. This initiative exemplifies how Western Wisconsin Health is redefine rural healthcare to align with its mission of Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together.
