| | Community . . .
 Community. That's what you will hear if you ask about life as a spouse of a Gundersen Lutheran Resident. There are male and female spouses, with and without children, that work full-time, part-time or stay at home with their children.
There are several "mixers" at the beginning and throughout the year to let the spouses meet and greet, and scheduled events at least monthly (and sometimes weekly) for stay-at-home parents.
Parents go in groups with their children to the playgrounds in Resident Housing, to parks, swimming pools, The Children's Museum of La Crosse, or to shows at The La Crosse Center.
If you want to actually see your spouse during their residency, this is the place to come. The program is very aware of the residents having commitments outside of the hospital, and creates a suitable schedule, i.e. "golden weekends." Every minute outside of the rotations is precious, and in LaCrosse, it doesn't get wasted in traffic. We couldn't be happier with our residency choice!
-Katrina Mouser, wife of former Internal Medicine Resident
Spouses are also invited to participate in all the resident city sports leagues and outdoor sports activities. There are sand volleyball games in Resident Housing that are open to all. Spouses are encouraged to come to other activities, including Internal Medicine Journal Club (at nice restaurants in the area) so they can get better acquainted.
The ability for residents to take call from home most months maximizes quality family time. You can't put a price tag on eating dinner and spending quality time with your family, "tucking in" your kids at night, sleeping in your own bed, or showering and changing clothes at home . . . all while on call. It would be hard to imagine a residency with a higher value on family and marriage relationships.
 "One of the best things about this residency program is the housing. The units are excellently cared for, amazingly affordable, and imminently convenient. Even more importantly, however, their arrangement forms an instant community, providing residents and their families with friendships, understanding, and support."
-Kili Wenburg, wife of former Internal Medicine Resident |