NEENAH, Wis. – ThedaCare is marking a historic moment in its commitment to advancing healthcare in northeast and central Wisconsin as it welcomes the first cohort of resident physicians into its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. In addition to welcoming new physicians, the organization is also celebrating the completion of dedicated resident housing to prepare for the next phase of program growth.
“Welcoming our first class of resident physicians and opening dedicated resident housing marks a transformational moment for ThedaCare and the communities we serve,” said Lynn Detterman, MBA, CPA, president of the North Region of Froedtert ThedaCare. “This milestone reflects years of intentional investment and collaboration to build a long-term physician pipeline to serve our communities and to improve access to care, close to home. We are proud to create an environment where future physicians can learn, grow and develop deep connections in the communities they will serve for generations.”
On July 1, ThedaCare officially welcomed its first class of Internal Medicine residents, marking the launch of the health system’s accredited GME program. The inaugural residents were selected from nearly 2,000 applicants and will complete their residency training across ThedaCare’s sites throughout the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome the residents and introduce them to the patients, families and communities,” said Chris Stenberg, MD, vice president of graduate medical education and clinical research for ThedaCare. “This day celebrates our commitment to developing new physicians while addressing the growing need for healthcare providers across Wisconsin.”
ThedaCare became one of the first health systems in northeast and central Wisconsin to
establish a residency program, receiving accreditation for its Internal Medicine Residency Program in September 2025.
Data from the Wisconsin Hospital Association shows Wisconsin needs between 2,000 and 4,000 additional physicians by 2035. Studies show nearly 55% of individuals who complete residency training remain in the community in which they train to practice medicine. Further, 70% of physicians stay in the state when they complete both their GME and residency in the same state.
The program was developed to help address physician shortages, particularly in rural and underserved communities, while creating opportunities for physicians to train and build careers close to home.
Residents can benefit from a comprehensive educational experience that includes hands-on patient care, mentorship from experienced physician faculty and advanced training opportunities within ThedaCare’s state-of-the-art clinical and simulation environments.
Froedtert ThedaCare is working in concert with the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals for the GME program to advance knowledge and train future medical professionals. The effort strategically supports the health system’s mission of advancing the health of the communities through excellence and discovery.
Celebrating Completion of Graduate Medical Education Housing
As residents begin their training, ThedaCare is also celebrating the completion of the first phase of Graduate Medical Education housing adjacent to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Neenah. The housing development is named Roosevelt Commons. The newly completed townhomes provide convenient housing designed specifically for resident physicians. The project reflects ThedaCare’s commitment to supporting learners both professionally and personally as they transition into residency training and become part of the local community.
“Dedicated resident housing is an important component of our broader strategy to attract, develop and retain future physicians,” said Detterman. “By creating a supportive living environment, we are helping residents establish roots in our communities while enhancing our region’s appeal as a place to live and build a career in healthcare.”
Roosevelt Commons includes 56 townhomes across two phases. The first phase consists of
two buildings and 28 units on the west half of the property. Construction began in October 2025. The second phase consists of two buildings and 28 units on the east half of the property.
The project was made possible through collaboration with community partners and supporters who share a vision for strengthening the future healthcare workforce.
Future Program Growth
While 2026 marks the beginning of residency training at ThedaCare, it also represents the foundation for continued growth. Looking ahead, ThedaCare plans to pursue additional program development and accreditation opportunities during the second half of 2026. These efforts are intended to expand graduate medical education offerings, increase physician training capacity and further strengthen the
healthcare workforce throughout the region. Some programs include: Transitional Year, Psychiatry, Neurology and more.
For more information, visit ThedaCare Graduate Medical Education Program.
Image Captions: ThedaCare is marking a historic moment in its commitment to advancing healthcare in northeast and central Wisconsin as it welcomes the first cohort of resident physicians into its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. In addition to welcoming new physicians, the organization is also celebrating the completion of dedicated resident housing to prepare for the next phase of program growth.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than
650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at
180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives.
ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.
