Medical College of Wisconsin MMP Alumni Stories

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the MMP program at MCW because it offered me the opportunity to explore both medical and graduate studies allowing me to determine which path best suited my interests and goals.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
The MMP program fostered a close-knit cohort of highly motivated students with shared interests, creating an environment that encouraged both professional growth and lasting friendships. The small group size of students facilitated the development of a strong social support system, enhancing collaboration and camaraderie.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
The program's rigorous coursework challenged me, strengthening my abilities as both a student and a critical thinker. It broadened my perspective on future career opportunities and equipped me with the essential skills for success in my professional endeavors.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the MMP program because of its excellent curriculum and its proximity to my hometown which is just north of Milwaukee.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
The curriculum was challenging but prepared me very well for medical school. I was paired with fantastic mentors that helped me move towards my career goals and I met lifelong friends in this program.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
The MMP program strongly bolstered my application to medical schools and through the programs’ strong mentorship I was able to obtain multiple acceptances. After starting medical school at Des Moines University in the fall of 2023, I realized how much the MMP program aided in my success both academically and professionally.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the MMP program to better prepare myself for the academic rigor of medical school and for the medical school experience.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
My favorite part of the MMP program was learning everything medical and clinical. It made me excited for my future career and showed me possibilities I hadn't considered before.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
I am currently a medical student at MCW and I am so grateful that I had the MMP program to prepare me. I find myself familiar with the content and practical skills and because of this, I am able to dedicate more of my time to my extracurricular endeavors.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the Master's in Medical Physiology (MMP) program at MCW because it provides an immersive experience of what medical school entails and offers a valuable perspective on healthcare and the life of a professional caregiver.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
The highlight of my MMP experience was the friendships I built. MCW is a family, and every day I set foot on campus, I felt a strong sense of community. Whether it was diving into the root causes of medical cases during classes, relying on friends during pre-exam study sessions, or spending free time together after exams, the MMP program gave me the opportunity to be part of a goal-driven and supportive medical community.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
Networking has been a pivotal aspect of my MMP experience, opening doors to opportunities I might never have known otherwise. Much of my current success is thanks to my mentors, Dr. Denise Cook-Snyder and Dr. Chelsea Weaver, whose unwavering dedication provided me with the tools to succeed in my professional medical aspirations. Their guidance exemplified the importance of mentorship and the power of a strong professional network.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the MMP program at MCW because I was eager to get more hands-on clinical exposure and dive into the challenges of medical school courses. I believed it was the perfect platform to showcase my passion, commitment, and strong work ethic to the medical schools I aspired to join.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
One standout feature is the tight integration with M1 students during coursework. This not only fosters meaningful collaboration but also ensures exposure to the same demanding curriculum—a unique aspect compared to similar programs. A major plus is the exceptional support and guidance from program directors, making them one of the best parts of the program.

How did the MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
Engaging in medical school courses through the MMP program significantly enriched my understanding of the scientific aspects of medicine. Moreover, it provided opportunities to connect with MCW physicians and staff, playing a pivotal role in landing my current position at MCW and greatly contributing to my successful admission to MCW's medical school.

I intended to take at least one gap year between undergrad and medical school, but as I was looking to apply and taking my MCAT, I realized I was not confident in my application, nor felt ready for the rigorous academic requirements of medical school. After talking with my undergrad advisors, they recommended a few different post-baccalaureate programs to fill my gap year and further prepare me for a successful future in medical school. The MMP program at MCW was one of these programs and was particularly striking because it offers the opportunity to take first year medical school classes alongside medical students and for a grade toward a GPA. I felt that my success in these classes would prove to myself I was capable and ready for medical school. Additionally, the small cohort size and hands-on advisors were huge for me by providing consistent and personalize support from the moment I applied, throughout the year program, and after as I completed my secondary applications and medical school interviews. The relationships I formed with my peers, instructors, and advisors are relationships I still value while in medical school at MCW now. While enrolled in medical school courses during the first semester of the MMP program, I was challenged academically which pushed me to refine my study habits by collaborating with my peers and advisors. The second semester of the MMP program consisted of graduate school classes with a different structure and requirements than medical school classes. This allowed me plenty of MCAT study time while still challenging myself in class. Ultimately, through the MMP program I gained the confidence and sense of readiness to apply to medical school and continue using and refining the skills I learned.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
I chose the MMP program because of its curriculum, which is partially integrated with the medical school’s curriculum, as this would allow me to gauge if the rigor is something I could handle and excel in. The Medical College of Wisconsin also has affiliation with Froedtert, an academic level one trauma center, which is the environment where I want to work in my future.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
The favorite part of the MMP program for me was working with my advisors to figure out the future direction of my life.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
The MMP program gave me the background in medicine and physiology that my peers did not have going into a professional program. This allowed me to put more focus into the topics I was not familiar with instead of diluting my learning. With the MMP programs connections and past experience with other cohorts, I was able to get an understanding of the possibilities for my future and really make my own decision about what I wanted to do based on my timeline.

Why did you choose the MMP program at MCW?
MCW was my top choice for medical school, so I chose the MMP program over others because it was where I wanted to attend. Additionally, the structure of the program allowing us to work with medical students for one semester, and then get exposure to graduate school courses in the second semester was a large draw for me to see the diversity of course work available.

What are the highlights of the MMP program at MCW?
Being able to work so closely with the faculty and program directors and receiving guidance from them was very helpful, especially with preparing to apply to medical school in my case.

How did MMP program better position you to be successful with future pursuits?
Being able to take medical school courses helped prepare me for how to approach the academics aspect of medical school by allowing me to hone my study strategies and learn time management.