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Shekar Kurpad, MD, PhD

"After more than two decades as a neurosurgeon, scientist, and educator, I have seen firsthand what this institution is capable of, and I have to tell you, we are just getting started."
- Dr. Shekar Kurpad

MCW officially welcomes Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, FEL '01, as our seventh President and CEO. Beginning July 1, 2026, Dr. Kurpad will lead MCW forward, advancing our mission in academic medicine across southeastern Wisconsin and beyond. Dr. Kurpad shares his message about his perspective and commitment to leading MCW into its next chapter.

Medical College of Wisconsin

Every great life–changing discovery begins the same way–with new knowledge. It can change everything, from a single life to the future of entire communities. That’s why academic medicine, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge, is at the center of everything we do.

The Medical College of Wisconsin brings a synergy between the best medical education, research and patient care. Tomorrow’s discoveries happen right here alongside the very people who bring those lessons to our students. Every bit of knowledge, and every advancement, provides our students with an unprecedented, collaborative learning environment, and helps improve the vitality and care of our communities.

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Dr. Robert Becker at his graduation ceremony from MCW-Green Bay in 2019

Caring for Kids Close to Home

June 30, 2026

Robert E. Becker, MD ’19, FEL ’25, says the MCW-Green Bay campus allows him to engage in the full spectrum of his abilities as an academic physician in a more community-based setting.

Pradeep Chaluvally-Raghavan, PhD

Hot on the Trail of Cold Tumors

June 25, 2026

How MCW researcher Pradeep Chaluvally-Raghavan went from curious student to cutting-edge cancer researcher.

Three women sitting behind an exhibit table

LGBTQ+ Employee Group Fosters Connection and Community

June 23, 2026

The Medical College of Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ Employee Engagement Group organizes a wide array of community-building events, strengthening connections within MCW and beyond.

Stephan Noonen and Dr. MacKinnon

Pharmacy Student Builds a Career While Raising a Family

June 16, 2026

The Medical College of Wisconsin's close-knit Doctor of Pharmacy program supports student fathers like Stephan Noonen as they balance both roles.

Older man and woman standing together

Finding the Best Way to Help Older People Living with HIV

June 15, 2026

Dr. Jennifer Walsh is studying how support groups and case management help in this new frontier of healthy aging.

Woman on couch working at laptop

Expanding the Borders of the Masters in Global Health Equity

June 10, 2026

The Medical College of Wisconsin's Global Health Equity MS will transition to an asynchronous, online format to increase access and flexibility while still emphasizing hands-on global learning.

Woman holding a child

For Families Facing Rare Diseases, Genetic Research Delivers Answers

June 4, 2026

Medical College of Wisconsin researcher probes gene variants for clues to the cause of congenital birth defects.

Roger Caplinger

Playing Defense Against Pancreatic Cancer: Honoring Roger Caplinger’s Professional and Personal Dedication to Safeguarding Health

June 4, 2026

Pancreatic cancer advocate and former Milwaukee Brewers physician Roger Caplinger received an honorary degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

MCW medical students pose in front of garden

Student Garden Sprouts Fresh Produce and Community

June 2, 2026

At MCW, a student-planted, student-harvested garden combats food insecurity and sparks connections.

Three people standing in front of a wall

MCW Student’s Life Experiences Shape Early Goals in Medicine

May 29, 2026

Danica Cho wants to help immigrants access the health care system and teach others the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

l-r: Drs. Caitlin O’Meara, Amirala Bakhshian Nik, Alexandra Purdy, and Michaela Patterson

In New Study Researchers Connect Polyploidy in Heart Muscle Genes to Worse Outcomes

May 26, 2026

Using a new genetics tool at MCW, a research team found that cells with extra copies of their genome correlated with worse heart performance.

MCW 12th Annual President's Community Engagement Awards honorees and presenters from left to right: Dr. Brian Jackson, Joshua Liston-Zawadi, Dr. Staci A. Young, Darryl Davidson, Dr. Jean Mallett, Dr. John R. Raymond, and Crystal Jushka. Honorees not pictured: Ricardo Aguilar, Zandra Clevert, and Adileen Sii

Honoring the 2026 President’s Community Engagement Awardees

May 21, 2026

The annual awards celebrate MCW faculty, staff, learners, and community partners who have demonstrated sustained and impactful community engagement.

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