Melissa Ricker-Bouche, MD

• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – MD
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Family Medicine Residency
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Geriatrics Fellowship

Bio

Melissa Ricker-Bouche, MD (she/her/hers) joined the department as a faculty member in 2024. Ricker-Bouche was drawn to family medicine because of the emphasis on taking care of the whole person – physically and emotionally – in the context of their family and community. She loves hearing everyone’s story and appreciates the connections made with patients made possible by longitudinal care.

Ricker-Bouche has always been very close with her grandparents. After hearing about their experiences with health care she decided to pursue a geriatrics fellowship where she learned how to care for the unique challenges faced by seniors. Even with her focus in geriatrics, she truly enjoys taking care of all ages from newborns and pediatric patients onward.

Outside of work, Ricker-Bouche loves watching football (the Packers, Badgers, and Fighting Irish), being on the water, and doing home renovation projects with her husband.

Clinical Interests

Ricker-Bouche’s clinical interests include geriatrics and mental health. She truly enjoys hearing patients’ stories and what matters most to them regarding their health.

Teaching Interests

Ricker-Bouche is excited to teach medical students in her clinic and share her love for family medicine. Having been a Badger for eight years of medical training, she enjoyed mentoring learners at every age. She helped with Family Medicine Interest Group events, precepted first-year medical students while a resident, and taught residents about geriatrics principles on wards while she was a geriatrics fellow.

Publications and Presentations

• Beamsley M, Howlett B, Ricker M, Legler C. Impacting Students and Community Through Longitudinal Health Engagement Field Work. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Conference on Medical Student Education; Jacksonville, FL. February 2019.
• Ricker M, Rendell V, Winslow ER. Evaluation of the Coordination of Cancer Care by Multidisciplinary Teams and Effect on Patient Experience. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Student Research Forum; Madison, WI. November 2017.
• Ricker M. Increasing Community Engagement: Falls Prevention Program. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Medical Education Day; Madison, WI. May 2019.

Awards and Honors

• Gold Humanism Honor Society – 2019, inducted in recognition for compassionate care
• Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award – 2020
• Alpha Omega Alpha – 2024, inducted as a resident/fellow in recognition for excellence in scholarship, professionalism, leadership, and teaching