Health Science and Medical Career Pathway Programs For College Students

Program Description:
Master’s in Medical Physiology (MMP)

The Master’s Program in Medical Physiology at MCW is a one-year program designed for a college graduate looking to strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for applying to U.S. medical schools.

• Closely integrated with the first year medical student (M1) curriculum at MCW
• Comparable experience encountered as a medical student, including examinations
• MCAT course in collaboration with Wisconsin Lutheran College
• Small cohort size to ensure each student receives the personalized academic advising and career development
• Graduates of this program will have a solid foundation for medical school, graduate school, and jobs in academia, industry, or government positions, as supported by our strong placement data

View MMP Program Site

Career Path:
Medicine

Stipend?:
No

Eligibility:
All who have completed a bachelor’s degree, looking to strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for applying to U.S. medical or graduate schools.

Application:

• Application opens January 1
• Application due March 1 (early decision)
• May 15 (regular decision deadline)

Program Description:
Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)

The Program for Undergraduate Research (PURE) offered by the MCW Graduate School is a non-paid, experiential-based program for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college/university. Applicants to PURE who are chosen for the program will be placed with a MCW faculty mentor who will provide varying levels of exposure to basic, translational and population research.

Visit PURE Program site
PURE Application
Career Path:
Biomedical Research, Medicine, Health Sciences

Stipend?
No

• All undergraduate students able to travel to MCW Milwaukee on a weekly basis
• 3.0 GPA
• At least 18 years old by time of program 
• Be able to dedicate at least 8 hours per week to faculty mentor
• Located in Southeast Wisconsin and can travel to MCW
• Enrolled in a STEM-related major

Program Description:
Biomedical engineering Undergraduate Internship for Learning and Discovery (BUILD)

BUILD is a program designed to provide full-time research opportunities for enrolled undergraduate engineering students with practical experience in a research laboratory environment at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Students who participate and perform well in the internship program may be invited to participate in a three-semester Co-op position.

• All students will be given hands-on experience working on biomedical research projects and exposed to biomedical engineering practices, including but not limited to the design and fabrication of medical research devices. In addition, Students will be introduced to new technologies, cutting-edge research, and exciting laboratory practices, guided by highly skilled preceptors and established faculty investigators
• BUILD participants generally continue their education in medical school, work in industry or academia as research and development engineers, or enter graduate school in programs such as patent law, biomedical engineering, or biological sciences

Career Path:
Biomedical Engineering

Stipend?:
Yes

Eligibility:

• Open to all undergraduate Engineering students
• 3.0 Undergraduate GPA in Engineering Program
• Junior standing
• U.S. Citizen

Program Description:
Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop (GC-CREW)

The Genetic Counseling Career Research & Exploration Workshop (GC-CREW) is offered by the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program (MSGC) at the Medical College of Wisconsin. This is a virtual, group workshop for undergraduates, recent graduates and those interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling. This is a free workshop that is offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. The GC-CREW is intended for individuals who would like to gain an in-depth exposure to the field and are interested in becoming a genetic counselor. The objectives are:

• Learn more about the career of a genetic counselor and the prenatal, cancer and cardiovascular genetics specialties
• Identify the components of a genetic counseling session
• Illustrate basic genetic counseling skills
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the patient experience
• Network with genetic counselors in the field
• Career mentorship and guidance for applying to graduate school
• Fee waived for MCW Graduate School application

View GC-CREW Program site
GC-CREW Application
Career Path:
Genetic Counseling

Stipend?
No

Eligibility:

• All undergraduate juniors and seniors, or those who have completed a bachelor’s degree
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Currently enrolled or completed a college level biology course, preference may be given to applicants who have also taken genetics coursework.
• High-speed internet access and computer with web-camera

Application:

• Fall 2023 Application opens 5/2, closes 8/15
• Spring 2024 Application opens 8/16, closes 12/15
• Summer 2024 Application opens 12/16, closes 5/1

Program Description:
College Student Enrichment Program for Underrepresented Professions (StEP-UP)

StEP-UP aims to provide support to local undergraduate students who are members of historically disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in the health science professions. Undergraduate students in StEP-UP move through the program in a supportive cohort that supplements their pre-medicine and biomedical studies through each year of
college.

Students will get opportunities to:

• Work with MCW faculty and medical and graduate students
• Participate in the peer mentoring program
• Shadow a physician
• Receive free MCAT prep materials and coaching
• Reimbursement of the cost of taking one MCAT exam
• Partake in mock interviews
• Engage in teambuilding and other hands-on activities

View StEP-UP Program Site

Career Path:
Health Science, Medicine, Research

Stipend?:
Yes; for serving as a peer-mentor during your last year of the program

Eligibility:

• 3.0 final high school or current undergraduate GPA
• Entering college freshman or sophomore
• Open to students enrolled at any accredited institution of higher education in Wisconsin, who are able to attend group sessions at the MCW Milwaukee campus

Application:

• Applications for the upcoming academic year open on April 1
  
• Priority application deadline of September 1; final deadline of September 20

The Advocates in Medicine Pathway (AMP) program will support the professional development of individuals from Wisconsin interested in the Medical College of Wisconsin Central Wisconsin (MCW-CW) to promote a diverse future healthcare workforce built around resilience, relationships and system-based knowledge. During the spring semester, participants will attend the virtual 1-credit "Wicked Problems in Medicine" course at UW- Stevens Point at Wausau and virtual advising sessions in the evening. Participants will also participate in a 1-week clinical job shadow opportunity that fits their needs and interest as well as enhance their understanding of medicine. Lastly, from June to July, the cohort will participate in the WI AHEC Community Health Internship Program (CHIP) as full-time paid interns.

View AMP Program Site
AMP Application

Career Path:
Medicine

Stipend?:

• Paid full-time summer community health internship with the WI AHEC Community Health Internship Program (CHIP)
• Paid UW-Stevens Point at Wausau course, “Wicked Problems in Medicine”

Eligibility:

• Must be a sophomore or higher standing college student or already have obtained a Bachelor's
• Must plan to apply to medical school in the next 1-2 years
• Must have faced significant challenges or limitations on their journey to a career in medicine
• Preference will be given to rural students from or with ties to North Central WI

Application:
Applications accepted from September – November, 2023

AMP Application
Term:
Program runs from January-July

Contact Information:
Sheng Khang
AHEC Education and Outreach Coordinator
(715) 301-3269
skhang@nahec-wi.org

Amy Prunuske, PhD
aprunuske@mcw.edu

Nicole Thill
Executive Director
AHEC | North Central
(715) 849-2432
nthill@nahec-wi.org

Program Description:
Summer Cancer Disparities Research Program

Summer Interns participate in a core cancer education curriculum, weekly goal setting and discussion of works in progress. Students also participate in a variety of experiences:

• Shadowing basic scientists in their labs
• Participating in community events in the field
• Targeted mentored experience on an ongoing project in a chosen area of interest.
• Trainees complete and create a presentation on a particular topic related to cancer and cancer disparities in Southeastern Wisconsin

View Summer Cancer Disparities Research Program Site

Career Path:
Public Health, Research, Medicine

Stipend?:
Yes

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Open to students at all undergraduate institutions

• Opens November 1
• Closes December 1
• Online Application through Milwaukee Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Program Description:
Diversity Summer Health-Related Research Education Program (DSHREP)

DSHREP is a competitive program designed to provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who are members of historically disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in the health science professions.

During this ten-week program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Be an active member of a research team
• Explore career opportunities in research and health professions
• Benefit from a stimulating environment of education and mentoring
• Attend weekly lectures on innovative topics
• Understand the educational pathways leading to your chosen health profession
• Build relationships with pre-med students from across the U.S.
• Participate in professional development sessions

View DSHREP Program Site

Stipend?:

• Salary of $10 per hour based on 40 hour work week
• Housing offered to those living outside of the Milwaukee Metro area

Eligibility:

• 3.4 Undergraduate Science and Math GPA Required
• Completion of at least one year of college (three courses per academic term)
• Open to students at all undergraduate institutions

Application:

• Opens November 1
• Closes February 1

Program Description:
American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE)

The Cardiovascular Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has up to 4 paid summer research fellowships available during the summer (late May to early August) for undergraduates who belong to underrepresented groups in science and medicine including individuals who belong to racial/ethnic minorities and/or who identify as LGBTQ+ of any race or ethnicity. We are seeking undergraduate students who are interested in STEM or biomedical careers for 10 weeks of hands-on experience in cardiovascular research within our laboratories, professional skill building, and seminars focused on STEM careers, how to apply to medical school and other allied health programs, and how to navigate graduate and medical school.

View SURE Program Site
SURE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Career Path:
Biomedical Research, Medicine, Allied Health Careers

Stipend?:

• $6,000 split into 3 payments
• Housing provided for those outside of the metro Milwaukee area (unless there is a special need)
• One-time roundtrip airfare to/from Milwaukee airport to allow students who are located more than four hours from Milwaukee to relocate for the summer to attend the program

Eligibility:

• Ethnic or racial minority or LGBTQ+ groups
• At least 18 years old by time of program
• Full-time rising sophomore, junior, or senior at any U.S. (or U.S. territories) college or university
• United States citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national holding a student, exchange or permanent resident visa, including an F-1, H1, H1B, J1, PR, TC or TN visa.
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status requires additional AHA approval to apply
• GPA is considered as a part of a holistic review of each application
• Interested In science or health care-related field, especially cardiovascular science and medicine

Application:
Applications due February 1

SURE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Program Description:
Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

SPUR offers hands on research experience for undergraduates interested in biomedical science. The program has hosted hundreds of students who have since made significant contributions to science and humanity through their current positions as teachers, instructors, professors, researchers, industry professionals, government leaders and clinicians. SPUR hosts roughly 25-30 participants each summer from across the country who gain valuable research experience, refine critical thinking skills, build upon academic and professional networks and are introduced to various disciplines of science.

View SPUR Program Site

Career Path:
Biomedical Research, Medicine, Health Sciences

Stipend?:

• $4,500 split into two payments
• Housing provided for those outside of the metro Milwaukee area

Eligibility:

• All undergraduate students
• 3.2 GPA
• At least 18 years old by time of program
• Entering college freshman or sophomore

• Application opens October 1
• Application closes February 1

SPUR Application
Term:
Program runs from the end of May through early August

Contact Information:
Anthony Perez
anperez@mcw.edu

Kelly Angone
kangone@mcw.edu

spur@mcw.edu

Program Description:
Advancing Student Potential for Inclusion with Research Experiences (ASPIRE)

The Cardiovascular Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has up to 13 paid summer research fellowships available during the summer (late May to early August) for undergraduates who belong to underrepresented groups in science and medicine including individuals who belong to racial/ethnic minorities, who are differently-abled of any race or ethnicity, and/or who come from a disadvantaged background of any race or ethnicity. We are seeking undergraduate students who are interested in STEM or biomedical careers for 10 weeks of hands-on experience in cardiovascular research within our laboratories, professional skill building, and seminars focused on STEM careers, how to apply to medical school and other allied health programs, and how to navigate graduate and medical school.

ASPIRE PROGRAM SITE

ASPIRE APPLICATION SITE

Career Path:
Graduate School in Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, Allied Health Careers, General Interest in Gaining Research Experience for STEM Career

Stipend?:

• $6,000 split into 3 payments
• Housing provided for those outside of the metro Milwaukee area (unless there is a special need)
• One-time roundtrip airfare to/from Milwaukee airport to allow students who are located more than four hours from Milwaukee (and originating from a location in the U.S. or its territories) to relocate for the summer to attend the program
• $1,400 stipend to attend optional scientific conference with faculty mentor

Eligibility:

• Hmong, or individuals from racial/ethnic minorities or individuals with disabilities or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds from any race or ethnicity
• At least 18 years old by time of program
• Actively-enrolled and must have completed at least one undergraduate year at an accredited U.S. (or U.S. territories) college or university (rising sophomore, junior, or senior)
• United States citizen or permanent resident
• GPA is considered as a part of a holistic review of each application
• Interested in STEM or health care-related career, especially cardiovascular science or medicine

• Opens November 1
• Closes February 1

Program Description:
500 Stars

The CTSI 500 Stars Initiative is a ten-year, comprehensive, multi-institutional, and community-focused, education and workforce diversity plan, with the overarching objective of replenishing, while increasing diversity in the translational science workforce. Student family members are essential to career achievement and success; as such, the program also engages family members throughout the entire student experience.

• Direct, hands-on, professional experiences in clinical and translational science settings at CTSI partner and collaborator sites, and community
• Well- established regional partners to move the translational workforce along existing regional diversity pipelines. Our
• Direct and supportive roles in the educational and workforce diversity pipeline

Career Path:
Multi-Institutional, Multi-Career Path

Stipend?:
Yes

Eligibility:

• High school, college, and graduate students in Milwaukee Metro area
• 3.0 GPA

Application:

• Applications open November 1
• Applications due February 1