Master's in Medical Physiology
Message from the Director's

Associate Professor of Physiology
Director, Master's in Medical Physiology
dcooksnyder@mcw.edu
(414) 955-2352

Chelsea Weaver, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physiology
Co-Director, Master's in Medical Physiology
cweaver@mcw.edu
(414) 955-8528
Alison Kriegel, PhD
Associate Professor of Physiology
Co-Director, Master's in Medical Physiology
akriegel@mcw.edu
(414) 955-4820
Caitlin O'Meara, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physiology
Co-Director, Master's in Medical Physiology
comeara@mcw.edu
(414) 955-4311
Master's in Medical Physiology
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. 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.
Current Students
Curriculum
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.
Admissions
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 1st 2022 and regular decision: July 1st 2022 for Fall 2022 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 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
- 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.
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 1-5 years post-graduation and are seeking admission to medical school have an 83% success rate, and those seeking admission to other professional program (dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, anesthesiologist assistant, etc) have a 100% success rate. The rates of medical school placement continue to increase over time to 96% by 3-5 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.

Tuition and Fees
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
Master's in Medical Physiology Admissions FAQ
Contact Us
MCW Graduate School
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 955-8218
(414) 955-0084 (fax)
gradschool@mcw.edu
