MADISON, Wis. – Medics from the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing in Madison are the first group from the unit to participate in continuing clinical training at UW Health.
This collaboration provides medics with hands-on opportunities to refresh skills, validate competencies and stay current with clinical best practices.
The agreement is years in the making and involves UW Health professionals from nursing, Trauma and Life Support Center, emergency department, Burn and Wound Center and allied health education and career pathways.
It’s the largest training agreement between a branch of the military and a private employer in the state of Wisconsin, according to Bridgett Willey, director, allied health education and career pathways, UW Health.
“The training for different medical personnel will typically happen two days a month, starting September 12 and 13,” Willey said. “The first group UW Health will train are medics, and the goal is to extend that to technologists, technicians, advanced practice providers and pharmacists in the future,” she said.
This partnership also establishes a relationship that can be deepened in the future for other activities between the two organizations, according to Willey.
During drill weekends, the focus is primarily on medical readiness and sustaining core clinical competencies, rather than routine patient care, said Master Sgt. David Dubuc, operations noncommissioned officer with the 115th Medical Group – Detachment 1.
“This training keeps our skills sharp, ensures we’re adaptable across various hospital roles, and provides valuable exposure to different clinical environments,” he said.
Historically, airmen have had limited opportunities to train at active-duty hospitals, with slots available only every few years, according to Dubuc.
The collaboration with UW Health will provide a reliable and ongoing training platform, helping ensure the unit remains prepared to support both local and global missions, he said.
In addition, UW Health will provide all the medics in the 115th Fighter Wing with 40 hours of clinical training every other year and provide access to advanced trauma life support and advanced burn life support courses.
“As both a nurse and a veteran, I understand the critical importance of readiness and clinical excellence in military medicine,” said Rudy Jackson, chief nurse executive, UW Health, who played a key role in finalizing the partnership. “This partnership with the 115th Fighter Wing is more than a training agreement; it’s a shared commitment to ensuring our medics are equipped with the latest clinical skills and best practices. We’re proud and honored to support these service members in their mission.”
This agreement with UW Health further demonstrates the organization’s commitment to members of the military who are seeking transitions to civilian employment. In 2024, UW Health was recognized as a Vets Ready Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and its Office of Veteran Employment Services.
The annual award recognizes Wisconsin employers that have gone above and beyond to hire and support veterans and their families.
