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Master's in Medical Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Master’s in Medical Physiology Program at MCW is a one-year special Master’s program designed to help college graduates strengthen their academic credentials for medical school. Our program includes the first-year medical student curriculum at MCW, courses and exams, providing students with experience comparable to MCW medical students. Our program also offers an MCAT course in collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College. We maintain a small cohort size to ensure each student receives the personalized academic advising and career development they need to succeed. Graduates of this program have a solid foundation for medical school, graduate school, and jobs in academia, industry, or government positions, as supported by our strong placement data.
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Mission

The mission of the MMP program is to provide promising college graduates with the opportunities they need to gain admissions to medical school, graduate school, or biomedical jobs. We are fully committed to ensuring the professional success of our students.

Why Join the Master’s in Medical Physiology program at MCW?

The MMP program includes first-year medical school and graduate school courses, MCAT prep, individualized advising and career development, and access to additional clinical, research, and volunteering experiences. MMP alumni have high levels of success in matriculating to the professional programs of their choice, including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physician assistant, anesthesiologist assistant, and the basic or clinical sciences (PhD).
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94% 
of alumni seeking medical school matriculated 1-7 years post-graduation
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100%
of alumni seeking other professional schools matriculated 1-7 years post-graduation
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96%
total matriculation success rate of alumni 1-7 years post graduation

Important Dates

January 1: Applications open
March 1: Early decision deadline
May 15: Regular decision deadline

Master's in Medical Physiology

About the Program

About the Program

The MMP program is a one-year degree-granting program designed to help college graduates strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for application to U.S. medical schools and other professional programs. This program is closely integrated with the first-year medical student (M1) curriculum at MCW, thereby providing our students with a comparable experience encountered as a medical student, including examinations. The program also offers an MCAT course in collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College. We maintain a small cohort size to ensure each student receives the personalized academic advising and career development they need to succeed. Graduates of this program will have a strong foundation for medical school, graduate school, and jobs in academia, industry, or government positions, as supported by our strong placement data

Curriculum

Curriculum

  MMP curriculum 20242025 website 003

In the MMP program, students take courses with first year medical students (M1) and first- and second-year graduate students. Students also take MMP courses that are specifically designed for MMP students. While MMP students will take the exact same exams with medical students and graduate students, MMP students will be graded on a letter scale (A, B, C, etc.) in order to derive a cumulative GPA for the MMP program.

Medical Humanities (with medical students)

The goal of Medical Humanities is to provide the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to promote MMP student development into impactful future physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals. This course is largely consistent with The Good Doctor course in the medical school curriculum, but with some content and assessments adapted for MMP students. This course includes competencies pertaining to character and professional development, ethics, wellbeing, health equity, communication, and interprofessional practice.

Foundations of Medicine (with medical students)

The goal of Foundations of Medicine is to establish a strong, broad foundation of basic scientific knowledge. This block integrates concepts of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology and biostatistics to form a wide base of knowledge related to cell and tissue biology, organ systems, patients and communities, which are applied to solve clinical problems in the context of patient-based scenarios. Learning experiences are reinforced with small group discussions, interpretation of molecular diagnostic tests, and laboratory activities.

Hematology/Immunology (with medical students)

Heme/Immunology is designed to teach the biochemical, genetic and physiological etiology of hematological and immunological pathologies and physiological responses to infection. Basic science content will be provided in parallel to small group case-based learning sessions and histopathology laboratories, which will be designed to emphasize and expand upon the pathophysiology.

Musculoskeletal Skin (with medical students)

The goal of Musculoskeletal Skin (MSS) is to give students a greater understanding of the foundational science processes underlying the anatomy, physiology and pathology of muscle tissue, bones/cartilage and skin. Integrated case studies will examine the development, structure and function of skin, skeletal muscle, cartilage, ligament and bone anatomy through examination of pathology, radiology, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and developmental biology.

Gastroenterology and Nutrition (with medical students)

Gastroenterology and Nutrition will educate students in the fundamentals of the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and disease states of the luminal and solid organs associated of the gastrointestinal tract. Learning activities include synchronous and asynchronous didactic sessions, gross anatomy, histology, and pathology laboratory sessions, and small group case-based discussions focused on various gastrointestinal pathologies and disease states.

MCAT Course

The MCAT course combines training in MCAT study skills, access to MCAT question banks and practice exams, and content review sessions in chemistry, physics, biology, and sociology/psychology led by Wisconsin Lutheran professors.

MMP Career Development

The goal of the MMP Career Development course is to increase your skills and readiness for medical school and graduate school applications. To achieve this goal, you will be working with your peers, current medical and graduate students, and diverse range of faculty to write an application cycle calendar, personal statement, and CV/resume, and to execute individual and group mock interviews.

Graduate Human Anatomy

The Graduate Human Anatomy course teaches students the structural aspects of the human body and their clinical correlates. Learning experiences are reinforced with cadaveric dissection and a variety of clinical imaging techniques, including plain films (X‐rays), CT and MRI scans. Aside from medical knowledge, the course nurtures teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism.

Ethics and Integrity in Science

This course will cover the basis for understanding the ethical issues related to basic scientific and medical research, including animal and human subject research, fraud and misconduct, and governmental, institutional, and researcher responsibilities. 

Reading and Research

Reading and Research is designed by each student with his/her/their research advisor to focus on readings in literature in the student’s field and to conduct supervised, independent research with Physiology Department faculty. Reading and Research is available as an elective for MMP students who do not complete the MCAT course.

Organ Systems Physiology

Organ Systems Physiology focuses on an introduction to the classic topics in physiology – the science of regulation and control systems – including the Physiology of Cells, Muscle, Cardiovascular, Pulmonary, Renal, GI, Endocrine, and Reproduction. It will also introduce the students to animal models in physiological research appropriate for the topic at hand.

Special Problems in Physiology

This course will cover a number of physiological topics including hypertension, obesity, cardiorenal diseases and more. The efforts of the class will focus on developing of an understanding of various critical physiological processes and pathophysiological complications. Special attention will be paid to the peer-review process and the development of critical evaluation of manuscripts in different areas of Physiology.

Functional Genomics

Functional Genomics is an elective for MMP students. The course consists of a series of lectures, discussions, and computer exercises, and a practice of writing of a grant proposal. Major topics to be covered include genome sequence, genetic analysis, genome and gene manipulation, epigenetics, high-throughput molecular and phenotypic profiling, bioinformatics, computational biology, and integrated application.

Fundamentals in Neuroscience

Fundamental of Neuroscience is an elective for MMP students. Fundamentals of Neuroscience follows a multidisciplinary approach to current knowledge about the structural and functional properties of the nervous system. The mechanisms of the nervous system are described at the molecular, cellular, systems and complex brain function levels. The course includes lectures, discussion sessions, and seminars. The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to the anatomy and function of the human nervous system.

 

 

 

MCAT Course

MCAT Course

The MMP program offers an MCAT course in collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College.

The MCAT course combines training in MCAT study skills, access to MCAT question banks and practice exams, and content review sessions in chemistry, physics, biology, and sociology/psychology led by Wisconsin Lutheran professors.

The MCAT course is included in tuition for MMP students.

Importantly, the MCAT course is designed specifically for and by the MMP program and Wisconsin Lutheran College, ensuring that the course is tailored to your needs as an MMP student.


Admissions

Admissions

Dates and deadlines for Summer 2024 enrollment 

Submitting your application and all supplementary materials by the early decision deadline (March 1) guarantees that your application will be reviewed for all available seats in the incoming class. After March 1, we will still be accepting applications until the regular decision deadline (May 15). The class size will be capped at 16 students. Once completed, please allow 4-6 weeks for the applications to be processed and reviewed.
 
Guidelines for admission include a completed undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, an overall GPA in math and science of 3.0 or higher. Applicants are recommended to submit MCAT scores if available. MCAT scores are preferred, but other health professional school test scores (e.g., GRE, DAT, or PA-CAT) can be used if MCAT scores are not available. Successful applicants typically have a composite MCAT score of 490 or higher, and/or GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile in each category. Test scores are only valid if they have been completed within 18 months of the time of application.
 
Application Review - selection of candidates will be based upon overall undergraduate performance (grades, GPA, grade trends), letters of recommendation from three individuals (two or more must be from university/college faculty), MCAT scores (and/or other health professional school test scores), a written personal statement defining interest in this program, and answers to a few short answer questions. In-person or phone/online interviews will be requested on a case-by-case basis but may not be required for admission. Once the class size is reached, qualified students will be placed on a waitlist. If accepted students are subsequently accepted to medical school or decline to matriculate into the MMP, wait-listed applicants will be offered admission until the maximum class size has been reached or Summer courses have begun. Written notice of admission into MMP will be provided solely by the Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at MCW.

Acceptance into the Master's in Medical Physiology Program will be based on the review of all required written materials submitted by the applicants, and outcomes from interviews (if applicable). Acceptance will only be granted if all required materials are submitted by the stated deadlines (early decision: March 1 and regular decision: May 15 for Fall enrollment).

Recommendations for application
  • MCAT scores (preferred) or other health professional school test scores (GRE, DAT, or PA-CAT if MCAT scores are not available)
    • Composite score of 490 or greater on MCAT and/or GRE scores with Verbal >50% and Quantitative >50% (NOTE: MCAT preferred)
  • Overall undergraduate GPA not less than 3.2
  • Science GPA not less than 3.0
Documents for submission
  • Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions.
  • Letters of recommendation from three individuals (at least two must be from university/college faculty).
  • MCAT scores (preferred) or other health professional school test scores (GRE, DAT, or PA-CAT if MCAT scores are not available)
    • For MCAT scores, please include the month and year that the MCAT was taken. To submit your MCAT scores, please send an email to gradschool@mcw.edu with a copy of the MCAT report that includes the ID number as well as the verification code. After the MCAT report is received, the Graduate School will verify the scores on the MCAT website.
    • To submit GRE scores, arrange for an "official" test score report for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be sent directly from ETS to the MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Science. Note our institution code is 1519, and our department code is 5199.
  • Written personal statement describing your educational goals and how this program would help you achieve your goals (included in the online application form).
  • Written responses to several short answer questions related to your education, interests, clinical contact and other experiences, and career goals (included in the online application form).
  • Application fee of $50.

During the application cycle, the MMP program will accept applications from US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, and DACA recipients and international students. International students need to submit a completed MMP application by our early decision deadline (March 1).

Learn More
Placement Data

Placement Data

Most MMP graduates apply to medical schools (MD and/or DO) or other professional programs during their gap year after completing our program. Our graduates have had high levels of success in placement into professional programs (see table). MMP graduates who are 1-7 years post-graduation and are seeking admission to medical school have an 94% success rate, and those seeking admission to other professional program (dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, anesthesiologist assistant, or PhD programs) have a 100% success rate. The rates of medical school placement continue to increase over time to 100% by 3-7 years post-graduation. While there is no guaranteed admission to any medical or professional school given upon completion of the MMP program, our graduates continue to succeed in matriculating to the programs of their choice.

MMP placement data Jan 2024
Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

Graduate School Tuition and Fees 

Graduate School Tuition and Fees

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Late Fees

There will be a $100 late registration fee for anyone not completing registration by the date indicated on the schedule each semester.

There is also a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook (PDF).

Late payment fee is in addition to any late registration fee.

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Faculty

Faculty

Denise Cook-Snyder, PhD
A message from MMP program director, Denise Cook-Snyder:


Thank you for your interest in the MMP program at MCW! It has been my privilege to serve as director of the MMP program since 2021, and to have supported pre-health students for more than 10 years. It is my responsibility to ensure that all MMP students have the opportunities they need to be successful in achieving their professional goals, whether that’s medical school, graduate school, other health professional schools, or biomedical jobs. I take great pride in our MMP student success, and I invite you to explore our website to learn more about how the MMP program can support you.

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions!

You can reach me via chat on the MMP website, email mmp@mcw.edu, phone (414) 955-2352, or by booking an appointment.


Alumni

Alumni

Visit the MMP Alumni Stories page to learn more about various MMP Alumni, their experiences with MCW, and what they are doing now.
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Master's in Medical Physiology Program Frequently Asked Questions

General Program Information

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What is the purpose of the Master's in Medical Physiology (MMP) program?
The Master’s in Medical Physiology Program at MCW is a one-year special Master’s program designed to help college graduates strengthen their academic credentials for medical school. Our program includes first-year medical student curriculum at MCW courses and exams, providing you with experience comparable to our medical students. Our program also offers an MCAT course in collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College. We maintain a small cohort size to ensure each student receives the personalized academic advising and career development they need to succeed. Graduates of this program have a solid foundation for medical school, graduate school, and jobs in academia, industry, or government positions, as supported by our strong placement data.
Does completing the Master’s in Medical Physiology Program guarantee acceptance into medical school?
Successful completion of the program does not guarantee acceptance into medical school. Outstanding performance and completion of the program will however allow medical school admissions committees to evaluate performance in medical school courses and provide an additional graduate GPA for admissions committees to consider upon application. Most of our MMP graduates have been successfully admitted to medical schools or other professional programs (see Placement Data).
If I decide to pursue a graduate degree (PhD) in Physiology, will the completion of this program count toward the completion of a PhD in Physiology at MCW?
Yes. Successful completion of the MMP degree requirements can be counted toward completion of some of the degree requirements of the PhD program in Physiology at MCW as long as the grades achieved in each of the common courses are a "B" or better.

Application and Admissions

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Who can apply to the program?
Guidelines for admission include an earned undergraduate (baccalaureate) degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, an overall GPA in math and science of 3.0 or higher. Applicants are recommended to have a composite MCAT score of 490 or higher and/or GRE scores at or above the 50 percentiles in all categories completed within 18 months of the time of application. Applicants are encouraged to also include relevant experiences, including physician shadowing, clinical experiences, or other work or volunteer-related experiences.
When can I apply to the MMP?
Applications open on January 1 for Summer enrollment. The MMP program has an early decision deadline of March 1, and a regular decision deadline of May 15. Submitting your application and all supplementary materials by the early decision deadline (March 1) guarantees that your application will be reviewed for all available seats in the incoming class. After March 1, we will still be accepting applications until the regular decision deadline (May 15). The class size will be capped at 16 students. Once completed, please allow 4-6 weeks for the applications to be processed and reviewed.
How do I apply to the MMP program?
Applications open on January 1 for Fall enrollment. The MMP program has an early decision deadline of March 1, and a regular decision deadline of May 15. Submit your online application through the Graduate Schools online system (click the “Apply” tab above).
How does the MMP program decide who to accept?
Selection of candidates will be based upon overall undergraduate performance (grades, GPA, grade trends), letters of recommendation from three individuals (two or more must be from university/college faculty), MCAT scores (and/or other health professional school test scores), a written personal statement defining interest in this program, and answers to a few short answer questions. In-person or phone/online interviews will be requested on a case-by-case basis but may not be required for admission.
How many students are accepted into the program each year?
The MMP will accept 16 students for the academic year.
Are interviews a part of the applicant evaluation process for admittance into the program?
In person interviews are not required. Phone or video interviews may be requested as needed. Acceptance into the Master's in Medical Physiology Program will be based on review of all required written materials submitted by the applicants. Acceptance will only be granted if all required materials are submitted.

Curriculum

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Do I take the same classes as medical students if accepted into the program?
Yes, you will take courses with first year medical students and with first- and second-year graduate students. Students also take MMP courses that are specifically designed for MMP students.
If accepted into the program, when would I begin?
Upon acceptance into the program, an orientation day will be held in late June, and classes will start the following week.
Will I be graded differently than medical students taking the same courses
Although our MMP students take the exact same exams in courses with medical students, they will be graded on a letter scale (A, B, C, etc.) since they are enrolled in the Graduate School at MCW. From these grades a cumulative GPA can be calculated upon completion of the program.

Tuition & Fees

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What are the costs of applying to the program? What are the costs of tuition and other associated program costs (books and other fees)?
Graduate School Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Benefits of the MMP Program

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What are the additional benefits of the MMP Program?
  • Mock Medical School Admissions Interviews conducted by Physiology faculty members.
  • Full access to Academic Enhancement Sessions and tutoring sessions offered for the first-year medical school courses.
  • Mentoring by MMP leadership and Physiology faculty.
  • Opportunities to join Medical School extracurricular activities, Graduate Student Association activities, and MCW wide activities, including shadowing, grand round seminars, community outreach, and social activities.

Contact Us

Graduate School
Suite H2200
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226


(414) 955-8218
gradschool@mcw.edu


MCW Graduate School Google map location