Valued Voice

Wisconsin hospitals can now apply for the latest round of Graduate Medical Education (GME) program development grant funding, a key part of the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) “Grow Our Own” initiative. This grant program—originally crafted by WHA—is designed to increase the number of physicians practicing in rural and underserved areas of Wisconsin.

The DHS announcement notes that in 2013 Wisconsin Act 20 authorized DHS to establish grants to support development of new GME programs. This opportunity is provided to hospitals and sponsoring institutions considering establishing such programs. 

The Request for Applications (RFA) was released January 27, 2026 and is available on the DHS Public Notice website. Applications are due no later than 12pm on March 10, 2026.  Awarded grants will begin on July 1, 2026 (State Fiscal Year 2027).

More than a decade ago, WHA spearheaded efforts that resulted in 2013 Wisconsin Act 20. Since then, DHS's "Grow Our Own" initiative—based on WHA’s 86% equation—has supported:

• 25 new GME programs
• 55 expansion grants to expand 18 existing programs
• 86 additional physicians graduating annually from Wisconsin GME programs

When the training pipeline is fully developed by 2032, these grants will support more than 150 new physicians graduating each year—significantly strengthening Wisconsin’s physician workforce.

Hospitals interested in applying can find more information and submit applications at this link.

For questions about the “Grow Our Own” program or other health care workforce issues, contact WHA Senior Vice President of Workforce and Clinical Practice Ann Zenk.