TRIUMPH Curriculum

Students in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health spend 24 weeks in their third year and most of their fourth year learning and working in a variety of sites, including Aurora Health Care Metro Region hospitals and clinics, community health centers, public health agencies and community organizations in Milwaukee.

They explore the rich history and diversity of Milwaukee's neighborhoods and learn to engage communities to promote health. Before beginning the TRIUMPH experience, students identify the population and issue(s) that captivate their interest and are matched with an appropriate community partner.

Students work under the guidance of faculty mentors and community health leaders to conduct a community or public health, quality improvement or research project. Students learn about community health assessment, project design, evaluation and how to join and contribute to a community health team. They present their final projects prior to graduation.

TRIUMPH students gain an appreciation of the urban context, health disparities and community resources, enhance their cultural skills, engage with communities and learn to develop and implement population-based health improvement projects.

Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health course content is delivered through four sequential, interrelated courses over the third and fourth years of medical school (TRIUMPH I-IV; 2 credits/course.) These courses introduce students to urban health through seminars, discussions, and community and public health activities in Milwaukee. 

During the third year students complete TRIUMPH I concurrent with their Obstetrics/Gynecology, Primary Care and Internal Medicine clerkships in Milwaukee. In February, students participate in TRIUMPH II, a Community and Public Health Enrichment Experience, which focuses on the cultural and historical context of Milwaukee, developing community development and team building skills, and self-care strategies.

Year 3, Milwaukee Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health Track

Students complete most of the fourth year requirements in Milwaukee. The Preceptorship is offered in a longitudinal fashion with at least one half-day per week in a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Women's Health or another specialty of the student's choice.

The fourth year begins with TRIUMPH III, a community health clerkship that familiarizes students with Milwaukee's medical and public health resources and allows the student and his/her preceptor to work together more intensely.

Students complete TRIUMPH IV concurrent with clinical experiences in Milwaukee, guaranteeing a dynamic, well-rounded, productive fourth year. Students may take the Medicine Sub-I at either Aurora Sinai Medical Center or Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. The surgery requirement can be accomplished at the Medical College of Wisconsin by taking any approved M4 clinical surgery elective.

Possible senior electives at Aurora facilities and clinics include:

• Emergency medicine
• Clinical electrophysiology
• Geriatrics
• GI
• Addiction psych
• Liaison psych
• Pediatrics sub-I
• Radiology
• Endocrine/diabetes
• Clinical clerkship in family medicine

Pediatrics and surgery electives are available at MCW. Students may take up to 16 weeks of electives away from Milwaukee so they can complete clerkships in Madison, at other U.S. medical schools, global health electives and residency interviews.

Year 4, Milwaukee Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health Track

Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health Framework

The following diagram captures the essence of TRIUMPH - a dynamic, student-centered program:

The Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has many dedicated community partners.

Aurora Health Care has been in partnership with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health for more than 35 years, providing high quality medical education in Milwaukee's culturally diverse urban environment. The dedicated preceptors are physicians with active practices and UW faculty appointments. Aurora also provides housing near the hospitals and with easy access to the vibrant social and cultural scene in Milwaukee.

The following community organizations have served as sponsors for TRIUMPH community projects:

• 16th Street Community Health Center
• Aurora School-based Health
• Bread of Healing Clinic
• City of Milwaukee Health Department
• Core/El Centro
• Milwaukee Public Schools
• United Community Center
• Walker's Point Community Clinic
• Walnut Way Conservation Corp

The Milwaukee Area Health Education Center serves as a link between TRIUMPH and the Milwaukee community.

TRIUMPH, like the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine (WARM), is a program within the school, designed to address the health needs of Wisconsin and beyond. Both programs embody the Wisconsin Idea for the 21st century - to share and apply advances in knowledge for the common good in collaboration with the state, its many constituents and communities and its partners around the world.

TRIUMPH, established in 2008, is led and coordinated by an enthusiastic team of UW School of Medicine and Public Health faculty and staff located in Madison and Milwaukee. The program is an important component of our transformation into a school of medicine and public health.