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. Students are paired with faculty and peer mentors who help guide each student throughout the year toward successful completion of the program. Graduates of this program will have a strong foundation for medical school, graduate school, and jobs in academia, industry, or government positions.

Some of the courses you will complete are courses our first year medical students (M1 students) are required to complete including General Human Physiology, Clinical Human Anatomy, and Molecules to Cell.

Although the MMP students will take the exact same exams with medical students, they will be graded on a letter scale (A, B, C, etc.) in order to derive a cumulative GPA for the program upon completion which can be provided to medical school upon application. However, we will also provide a "virtual rank" for each course taken with the medical students to provide information regarding performance against current medical students.

Clinical Human Anatomy (with M1 students)

Clinical Human Anatomy will introduce students to the structural and functional aspects of the human body. Students will explore the macroscopic anatomy of organs, regions, planes and spaces through team cadaver dissection and a variety of imaging techniques – such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans – that relate to clinical practice.  

Molecules to Cells (with M1 students)

Molecules to Cells will expose students to the molecular and chemical principles of life, such as those concerned with structure and function of proteins and DNA, metabolism and its control, membrane transport and cellular recognition. This course integrates concepts of biochemistry, medical genetics, human development and cell and tissue biology while exploring the processes that occur as a single fertilized human ovum develops, as well as the variety of congenital abnormalities that may ensue.

General Human Physiology (with M1 students)

You will gain knowledge of the physiologic processes of cellular organization, membrane, nerve and muscle physiology, the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems, the lymphatic, microcirculation, metabolism and temperature regulation, gastrointestinal physiology and the endocrine and reproductive systems. You'll learn to apply the fundamentals of normal physiology in the understanding of pathophysiology and treatment while developing skills as medical professionals.  

Current Topics in Physiology

Students will get exposed to current advances and techniques in modern physiological research through required attendance and reports on weekly lectures/seminars sponsored by the Department of Physiology. Participation in a series of faculty discussion sessions following each presentation is also required.

Fundamentals in Neuroscience

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.

Physiological Genomics

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.  

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.

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.

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, and/or GRE scores (at least one is required). Successful applicants typically have a composite MCAT score of 500 or higher, and/or GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile in each category. Test scores from either the MCAT or GRE are only valid of they have been completed within 18 months of the time of application. Other standardized test scores (DAT, PCAT) will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

While we operate on a rolling admissions basis, students are strongly encouraged to apply early (before May 15th) to secure a spot in the 2020-2021 class. The class size for the 2020-2021 class will be capped between 25-30 students. Once completed, please allow 4-6 weeks for the applications to be processed and reviewed. The application deadline date is July 1st for Fall of 2020 enrollment.

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 GRE 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. Rolling admissions (for Fall admission only) will be used to fill the class. 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 Fall 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 deadline.

Recommendations for application

• MCAT scores or GRE scores (if MCAT scores are not available)
  • Composite score of 500 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 (and/or GRE if MCAT not available
• To submit 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.
  

Since the MMP program was established at MCW (2015), we have graduated 4 classes (2016-2019) totaling 49 students. Most graduates apply to medical schools (MD and/or DO) or other graduate programs after completing our program during a “gap year”. Our graduates have had high levels of success in placement into programs they have pursued (see chart). MMP graduates whom are 2-3 years post-graduation and were seeking admission to medical school have had a 92% success rate. The placement rate increases further if MMP graduates that were seeking other graduate programs (dental school, pharmacy school, MSA) are included (94% placement). Placement rates for all MMP graduates one or more years post-graduation are also high for those seeking medical school (71%) or other programs (100%). While there is no guaranteed admission to any medical or graduate school given upon completion of the MMP program, our graduates continue to succeed in matriculating to the programs of their choice.

Graduate School Tuition and Fees 

Tuition and Fees Schedule (PDF)

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.

Faculty Bios & Research