Community
Life In Madison
Madison is Wisconsin’s second largest city. It is home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the state capital and blends big-city amenities with easy access to the outdoors and nearby countryside. The city consistently ranks among the best places in the country to live, work, and play, offering a high quality of life for residents and families.
Recreation and Outdoor Life
Madison’s location between four lakes and numerous parks supports year-round outdoor activity. Residents enjoy opportunities for paddle sports, swimming, sailing, hiking, cycling, running, and cross-country skiing. The UW Arboretum and an extensive network of trails and green space are popular with runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Arts and Culture
Madison’s cultural landscape includes world-class theater, live music, museums, and festivals. The Overture Center for the Arts, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and Chazen Museum of Art are highlights of the local arts scene. Neighborhoods throughout the city host events and community gatherings that reflect the region’s diversity and creative energy.
Athletics and University Spirit
Madison residents take pride in the University of Wisconsin’s athletic tradition. The Wisconsin Badgers compete at a high level across multiple sports, with strong attendance and community support. Many student-athletes have been All-Americans, Olympians, and played on championship teams.
Community
Organizations serving a range of communities — including Centro Hispano of Dane County, Hmong Madison, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the Outreach Madison LGBTQ+ Community Center — contribute to the city’s welcoming and inclusive environment. Annual events such as Taste of Madison, Make Music Madison, and the Willy Street Fair bring residents together throughout the year.
Working and Practicing Medicine in Madison
Wisconsin is an excellent place to practice full-spectrum family medicine, with many graduates choosing to remain in the state for jobs or fellowships in settings ranging from tribal clinics to Federally Qualified Health Centers. Family physicians in Wisconsin often maintain broad scopes of practice, including obstetrics and hospital privileges, in a state that generally has lower malpractice litigation rates.
Madison itself offers a relatively affordable cost of living, a stable economy, and a range of professional opportunities. Major employers include the UW–Madison, state government, Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, and TruStage, among others. Local chambers of commerce — including those serving Hmong, Latino, Black, and LGBTQ+ business communities — support Madison’s diverse economic landscape.
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Questions about applications and interviews can be sent to: dan.samuelson@fammed.wisc.edu