The Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) recently hosted two high‑impact programs designed to connect current medical students with University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health alumni and residents.
Through candid conversations and real‑world insight, these events — Unfazed and Operation: Education — highlighted the essential role alumni play in supporting students as they navigate key milestones in their medical education.
On December 16, just prior to beginning their clinical rotations in January, 78 second‑year medical students (M2s) participated in Unfazed, an informal dinner and discussion with 29 UW residents, many of whom are recent graduates and active alumni. The event, now in its eighth year, is designed to give students an honest, accessible look at what lies ahead in Phase 2 of the ForWard curriculum.
Students were seated by their first Phase 2 block, allowing them to engage directly with residents in those same clinical areas. The format created space for open, practical conversations about clinical responsibilities, team dynamics, patient care challenges, and strategies for managing stress and uncertainty during the transition to clinical settings.
To help students feel prepared for their first day on service, WMAA provided each attendee with a branded pen light, a small but essential tool for clinical work and a reminder of the alumni community supporting their journey.
Students who participated emphasized the value of hearing real stories and guidance from residents who were in their shoes just a short time ago. The event once again demonstrated the strength of the UW medical alumni pipeline and the power of near‑peer mentorship.
Now in its 23rd year, Operation: Education brought together 94 first- and second-year medical students and 43 physicians on January 15 for an evening of career exploration and specialty insight. Co‑hosted with the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, the event remains one of WMAA’s most anticipated programs for early‑stage medical students.
Through rotating small‑group conversations over dinner, students connected with physicians across a wide range of specialties. These alumni shared their career paths, decision‑making processes, lifestyle considerations, residency experiences, and the day‑to‑day realities of clinical practice.
The format encourages students to ask the questions they may not feel comfortable raising in formal academic settings — from how to maintain work‑life balance and choose a specialty, to tips for navigating uncertainty and discovering new areas of interest.
For many students, Operation: Education is an early and meaningful opportunity to learn directly from practicing physicians outside the classroom. The event often becomes a touchstone in their professional identity formation, as reflected by one first‑year medical student who shared, “Thank you for giving us opportunities like this! I really love how robust the alumni association is, and it makes me so happy to be a part of this community. I hope that one day I can participate in this as a physician myself!” For alumni, Operation: Education offers a rewarding way to give back, share their expertise, and support the next generation of Badger physicians.
Together, Unfazed and Operation: Education reflect WMAA’s commitment to advancing medical student career development, alumni engagement, and success across the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. These programs create invaluable spaces for mentorship, professional identity formation, and honest dialogue — experiences that medical students consistently cite as pivotal in their training.
By connecting current students with alumni physicians and UW residents, WMAA continues to strengthen a community rooted in mutual support and a collective dedication to excellence in caring for patients in Wisconsin and beyond.
