ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton Gateway

Primary Care Team

Michelle Schacht, M.D. Family Medicine (Medical Director)

Residency: Fox Valley Family Medicine (2007)

Medical/Dental School: University of Wisconsin-Madison (2004)

 

Katie Schwarzbauer, D.N.P. Family Medicine

Fellowship: ThedaCare APC Fellowship Program (2027)

Post Graduate School: Oshkosh - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (2025)

 

Mendy Yang, B.S., RN, MSN, RN, MSN, FNP Family Medicine

Fellowship: ThedaCare APC Fellowship Program (2027)

Post Graduate School: Mequon - Concordia University Wisconsin (2025)

Post Graduate School: Milwaukee - Alverno College (2022)

About ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton at Gateway Dr.

ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton at Gateway Dr. is a primary care clinic providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. We offer urgent walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses, routine preventive services, and management of chronic conditions. Our clinic features onsite diagnostic capabilities including lab work, X-rays, and screenings to support rapid clinical decision-making. We maintain extended evening and weekend hours to serve our community's needs.

Beyond direct patient care, ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton is committed to advancing the next generation of advanced practice clinicians. We sponsor a 12-month post-graduate Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Fellowship Program designed for newly graduated Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants within 1 to 2 years of licensure. Fellows work alongside experienced physicians (MD, DO) and senior APCs, building clinical confidence and competence in primary care and urgent care settings. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, population health concepts, medical coding, workflow efficiency, and preparation for independent practice. Our faculty-precepted model ensures each fellow receives personalized mentorship and real-world training in a busy, supportive environment. Through this fellowship, ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton develops skilled providers who enhance access to quality care while strengthening the region's healthcare workforce.

About Froedtert ThedaCare

Froedtert ThedaCare is an integrated healthcare system serving nearly half of Wisconsin’s population. Its 28,000+ team members, physicians, and clinicians are transforming communities through prediction, prevention, and partnerships with excellence in primary and specialty care in 20 hospitals and more than 360 outpatient locations. Together with the Medical College of Wisconsin, we form the region’s only academic medical center, providing the foundation for groundbreaking medical research and excellence in education to accelerate discovery and drive innovation. The system is uniquely positioned to be the trusted partner in advancing the health of our communities.

  • Hospital Locations:
    • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton, 147 Bed Acute Care, Level III Trauma Center
    • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, 151 Bed Acute Care, Level II Trauma Center
    • ThedaCare Medical Center-New London, 25 Bed Critical Access
    • ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca, 25 Bed Critical Access
    • ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 25 Bed Critical Access
    • ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin, 25 Bed Critical Access
    • ThedaCare Medical Center-Wild Rose, 25 Bed Critical Access
    • ThedaCare Medical Center- Fond du Lac, 10 Bed
    • ThedaCare Medical Center- Oshkosh, 18 bed

Through our 115-year history, ThedaCare has woven itself into the very fabric of the communities we serve. For our employees, ThedaCare offers an environment that not only welcomes but also encourages innovative thinking and fresh approaches to today’s health care challenges.

We’re on a mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve, empowering individuals to live their unique, best lives. As one of the leading nonprofit providers in Wisconsin, ThedaCare is dedicated to compassionate, effective care for everyone. Our team of skilled experts is committed to supporting our local community through innovative care techniques, educational resources, clinical research, and a patient-first approach. We are proud to be your partner on your health journey.

This job posting is available in other languages besides English free of charge. Please contact the ThedaCare Employment Center to make your request at 920-830-5800 and then prompt “1”. ThedaCare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ThedaCare complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Community Overview

Appleton, Wisconsin is a vibrant, mid-sized city nestled along the Fox River and serves as the cultural heart of the Fox Cities region. It seamlessly blends a low cost of living with exceptionally high-quality healthcare, top-tier educational institutions, and an active downtown social scene, making it a highly desirable hub for families, professionals, and students alike.

 

Activities & Recreation

Appleton features an extensive year-round recreational landscape driven by the scenic Fox River and highly active community programs.

  • Parks and Trails: The city boasts 28 community parks. Appleton Memorial Park is the largest at 139 acres, offering extensive walking trails, gardens, and an indoor ice rink. Pierce Park and Telulah Park provide panoramic river views, walking trails, and premier disc golf courses. The Fox Trot Trail is an urban walking loop tracking the city's historic waterfront and legacy districts.
  • Festivals and Arts: Appleton holds the famous multi-day summer Mile of Music Festival, featuring hundreds of live, completely free performances down College Avenue. Major seasonal community events also include the annual Oktoberfest celebration.

 

Downtown Features & Local Amenities

The downtown infrastructure centers squarely around College Avenue, offering urban walkability with a close-knit feel.

  • Arts & Culture Hubs: The downtown stretch houses the state-of-the-art Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC), which draws premier Broadway touring companies and the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra. Families frequent the unique, interactive spaces at the Building for Kids Children's Museum, while history buffs visit the History Museum at the Castle, highlighting local legacy and legendary resident Harry Houdini.
  • Dining, Stores, & Shopping: Downtown Appleton is packed with locally-owned boutiques, specialty shops, cozy cafes, and eclectic dining venues ranging from classic diners to international cuisine. Outside the urban core, the Fox River Mall operates as one of Wisconsin's premier and largest retail shopping destinations, anchoring regional commerce.

 

Cost of Living & Housing

Appleton remains highly competitive with a general cost of living tracking well below the national average.

  • Existing Housing Costs: The housing market is highly accessible. As of 2026, the average home value in Appleton sits at approximately $308,435. Entry-level or starter properties range from $160,000 to $242,000, mid-tier properties run around $336,000, and upper-tier or luxury listings range from $450,000 to over $760,000.
  • New Construction & Lots: Opportunities for new builds are heavily concentrated in the outlying growth corridors, master-planned subdivisions, and adjacent suburban villages (such as Grand Chute, Darboy, Harrison, and Greenville) where residential lots and custom package homes are readily accessible.
  • Apartments & Rentals: Rental prices remain budget-friendly. The citywide average rent lands near $1,088 to $1,380 per month. General bedroom layouts average about $975 to $1,040 for a 1-bedroom unit, $1,215 to $1,264 for a 2-bedroom unit, and approximately $1,687 to $1,900 for a 3-bedroom unit. Core downtown apartments or historic College Hill units generally carry premium rents.

 

Education Systems

The community maintains a robust and highly diverse academic environment supporting students across all lifecycles.

  • Public Education: The highly-rated Appleton Area School District manages a comprehensive network of traditional elementary, middle, and high schools alongside specialized neighborhood charter schools designed around flexible curriculum options.
  • Private Education: Families seeking alternative paths have immediate local access to a strong private network, including prominent faith-based options like Fox Valley Lutheran High School and Xavier High School, along with multiple private parochial elementary academies.
  • Higher Education: The city is anchored by Lawrence University, a highly respected private liberal arts college and world-class music conservatory founded in 1847. For vocational training and technical tracks, Fox Valley Technical College offers widespread associate degrees and workforce training programs.

 

Froedtert ThedaCare Healthcare Locations

Residents have access to highly advanced regional healthcare networks. Following their systemic integration, Froedtert ThedaCare operates several critical hubs right within the city lines:

  • ThedaCare Regional Medical Center–Appleton: The premier local full-service hospital center equipped with a comprehensive, 24-hour Emergency Department located at 1818 N. Meade Street.
  • Appleton North & Encircle Health Campus: A massive medical facility located at 2500 E. Capitol Drive that houses specialized physician clinics, Internal Medicine practices, the Encircle Health outpatient pavilion, and the dedicated ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center.
  • ThedaCare Physicians–Appleton West: A major community outpatient medical clinic located at 4480 W. Spencer Street.
  • ThedaCare Physicians–Appleton Gateway & Urgent Care: Located at 3925 N. Gateway Drive, this facility supplies primary family medicine, Occupational Health services, and walk-in urgent care support.

 

Travel, Airports, & Regional Distances

Appleton is incredibly well-connected by interstate corridors, specifically Interstate 41, making national and regional vehicle travel efficient.

  • Air Access: Air travel is handled right on the city's western edge via the Appleton International Airport (ATW), offering easy parking, minimal wait times, and direct commercial flights on major national airlines.
  • Driving Distances from Appleton, WI:
    • Green Bay, WI: 31 miles north
    • Oshkosh, WI: 19 miles south
    • Milwaukee, WI: 107 miles south
    • Madison, WI: 106 miles southwest
    • Chicago, IL: 195 miles south

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Title / Profession / Specialty Facility Location Posted
APC Faculty Member for the Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship | Froedtert ThedaCare | Appleton, WINurse Practitioner | Physician Assistant / Family Medicine Apply ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton Gateway Appleton, Wisconsin 2026-11-03
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