Lab Coat

Medical College of Wisconsin Orthopaedic Surgery Observing/Shadowing

About the program

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is committed to providing educational services to the community. For that reason, we welcome high school, college, medical or physician assistant students and employees or non-employees to visit the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery to learn about careers in orthopaedics. Observable medical staff at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, or Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital includes Physicians, Physician Assistants (PAs), and Nurse Practitioners (APNPs).

Clinical observation is mandated to observational activity only. No patient care or “hands on” medical training will be conducted. Observers will not perform any medical procedures on patients. They will not have direct contact or unsupervised access to patients.
Resident Life

How to Apply

Please note all items must be completed to request an observership or job shadow. All paperwork must be submitted with your request. Please be sure to read the information carefully to ensure your application is complete. Approval can take up to a month. 
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College Students, Visiting Medical Students, and Physician Assistant Students

Please read the instructions thoroughly for each item below, then print, complete and sign all documents.

If Observing at Froedtert Hospital (Clinic and OR) or Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital:

Tuberculosis (within the past twelve months), Influenza (current during flu season, October 1st through April 1st), Proof of immunity to Rubella, Rubeola and mumps (documented history of 2 MMR's), COVID Vaccination Series.

Email all completed forms, as well as your top three division choices, if you'd like to observe in the clinic, OR, or both, and dates you are available to shadow (must be at least three weeks in advance).

If Observing at Children's Wisconsin:

Services available for shadowing: Trauma, Sports Medicine, Oncology, Hand & Upper Extremity, Foot & Ankle, Pediatrics, Total Joint, Spine

High School Students

Please read the instructions thoroughly for each item below, then print, complete and sign all documents.

If Observing at Froedtert Hospital (Clinic and OR) or Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital:

Tuberculosis (within the past twelve months), Influenza (current during flu season, October 1st through April 1st), Proof of immunity to Rubella, Rubeola and mumps (documented history of 2 MMR's),  COVID Vaccination Series.

Email all completed forms, as well as your top three division choices, if you'd like to observe in the clinic, OR, or both, and dates you are available to shadow (must be at least three weeks in advance).

If Observing at Children's Wisconsin:

Services available for shadowing: Trauma, Sports Medicine, Oncology, Hand & Upper Extremity, Foot & Ankle, Pediatrics, Total Joint, Spine

MCW Students

Please read the instructions thoroughly for each item below, then print, complete and sign all documents.

If Observing at Froedtert Hospital (Clinic and OR) or Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital:

Email all completed forms, as well as your top three division choices, if you'd like to observe in the clinic, OR, or both, and dates you are available to shadow (must be at least three weeks in advance).

If Observing at Children's Wisconsin:

Services available for shadowing: Trauma, Sports Medicine, Oncology, Hand & Upper Extremity, Foot & Ankle, Pediatrics, Total Joint, Spine

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact: 

Jennifer Williams

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Medical College of Wisconsin

8701 Watertown Plank Rd.

Milwaukee, WI 53226

Email