ThedaCare to Address Physician Shortage with new Resident Housing in Neenah
ThedaCare is moving forward with plans to construct 56 townhouse units in Neenah, Wisconsin, designed to house medical residents and fellows participating in the organization’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. The development will be built on the site of the former Roosevelt Elementary School, which closed in the spring of 2023.
The project aims to alleviate the anticipated physician shortage in Wisconsin, projected to reach 2,000-4,000 doctors by 2035, according to data from the Wisconsin Hospital Association. ThedaCare hopes the new housing will encourage residents to establish roots in the Fox Cities region. Studies indicate that over half (55%) of physicians remain in the communities where they complete their residency training, and 70% stay within the state if both GME and residency are completed in Wisconsin.
“We want to quickly adjust [residents] in the community by embedding them in a familiar and supportive habitat,” explained thedacare representative Detterman. The housing will be offered as affordable options,a departure from typical college campus housing costs.
The property was acquired through a collaborative effort involving local businessman John Bergstrom and other community members in October 2022, with ThedaCare and the ThedaCare Family of Foundations ultimately purchasing the site. Bergstrom also funded the demolition of the Roosevelt building and conversion of the land into green space in readiness for construction.
Construction will occur in two phases. The first phase, beginning in October 2025 and expected to be completed by summer 2026, will involve the construction of two buildings containing 28 units. The second phase, slated to begin in fall 2026, will add two more buildings and another 28 units. The plans include 32 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom townhouses, each with an attached one- or two-car garage.
The housing is intended for exclusive use by residents and their immediate families. However, ThedaCare has a contingency plan to perhaps partner with the community to establish a daycare center if the housing is not fully utilized by residents.
Neenah Mayor Jane Lang expressed strong support for the project, stating, ”Our doctors are in short supply…This residency program right in our community…will be a great chance for us to connect with those residents and help them to understand why we think Neenah is a great place to live.”
thedacare highlights the benefits of on-campus housing for residents,including reduced commute times,improved work-life balance,opportunities for peer networking,shared experiences,and easier access to on-call responsibilities.
