Resident Life
Learn more about life for residents outside the hospital and clinic, and in the La Crosse community.
Resident activities
Outside the clinic/hospital, we provide the opportunity for activities that include all residents, spouses/significant others, and families. These include intern night out, resident wellness morning (on procedure day), and volleyball. In addition to others, we can set up on an individual basis, based on resident interest.
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Residents share their experiences in the Family Medicine Residency in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Learn more about the La Crosse community
La Crosse is home to an estimated 51,600 residents in the Southwestern Region of Wisconsin. Sperling’s has La Crosse No. 12 on their list of Small Town Secure Places to Live (2018) and the cost of living is 88% of the national average. Housing options abound within walking distance to the clinic and hospital. Living “out in the country” often yields only a 10- to 15-minute commute.
- La Crosse was voted the 2019 Choice Destination by Discover Wisconsin.
- You can see the Mississippi River, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin from Grandad Bluff in La Crosse. Wisconsin Trails readers voted it “the most scenic view in the state.” The bluff is 600 feet tall, is a destination point for thousands, and is a symbol of the Coulee Region.
- The La Crosse area falls within the Driftless Region along the Upper Mississippi River; narrowly escaping the glaciers’ flattening effects of the last Ice Age. This region has no gravel deposits so it maintains an ancient landscape where you can enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, and deep caves.
- The La Crosse Region is home to some of the best bird-watching destinations in the upper Midwest. You can see anything from bald eagles, tundra swans, and great egrets to bluebirds, warblers, and sparrows. Popular bird-watching spots include Myrick Park, Hixon Forest, and Riverside Park.
- Livability has La Crosse, Wisconsin, ranked as No. 89 of the Best City to Live in the U.S. in 2022.
- Livability ranked La Crosse No. 5 of the Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S. in 2018.
- La Crosse and the surrounding Coulee Region combine the best of arts, entertainment, and nightlife, with an emerging emphasis on “silent sports” (hiking, biking, canoeing, etc.).
- On and in the water – Boating on the Mississippi; quiet canoeing on the Black, Root, and La Crosse rivers; trout fishing in dozens of area streams.
- On wheels – Try out our nationally recognized bike trails that crisscross the region.
- In the stands – Join 3,000 of your closest friends for a La Crosse Loggers baseball game, part of the Northwood League.
- In the audience – Take in performances by the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra or the La Community Theater; local venues also attract national touring performances of Broadway shows, headline performers, and specialty events.
- With your new friends – Pick a word, add “fest” to it and you will probably find people having a good time nearby (October-, River-, Irish-, Korn-, Butter-, and more).
- For those times when your interests are a bit more urban, you can easily fit in a day or one-night trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, or Chicago.
- Explore downtown's vibrant district of specialty shops
- Find the ideal destination for Family Activities
- Expand your child's horizons with the School District of La Crosse
- Dine with over 100 culinary eateries to choose from
- Explore La Crosse
- La Crosse Wisconsin City
Completing a rotation in La Crosse was foundational to my confidence that I had found my dream profession. The residents, faculty, and ancillary staff are warm-hearted, profoundly intelligent, and grounded. Coming from a large metro area, it has been a breath of fresh air to be immersed in a local-centric community with incredible seasonal changes and picturesque scenery. I encourage any applicant interested in full-spectrum, community-focused family medicine to explore our program further.
Ally Nelson, D.O.
Family Medicine Resident
Life as a resident gallery photo gallery
See pictures of our residents in wellness activities and hobbies outside the program.