MD/MS in Clinical & Translational Science
The MD/MS in Clinical and Translational Science Program is designed for students who wish to pursue a medical career with a research focus. During the first two years of the dual degree program, students complete the basic science coursework for the MD degree. In addition, dual degree students take some coursework to meet the requirements for the MS degree. MS degree coursework emphasizes clinical study design, biostatistics, and research methods, and provides students with an opportunity to conduct a mentored research project. Some coursework meets the requirements for both degrees. Students engage in their research projects during the summer between the first and second years of study and subsequent research electives during the third and fourth years of medical school.
Upon entering the dual degree program, students have a designated faculty advisor who will provide guidance in the program and assist them in identifying an area of research that is of interest to them. During the first year of the program, students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of research options and to identify a research mentor with whom they will work.
Director’s Welcome
A Message from the Director: David Brousseau, MD, MS
There is a shortage of physicians with the research training required to conduct cutting-edge translational research leading to improved clinical care. Numerous studies have shown that early success in research increases the likelihood of future success, even when the initial success comes in medical school. Lack of research training is one of the major reasons cited for lack of research productivity in residency.
The goal of the dual degree MD/MS (Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science) Program is to integrate the medical training required to become a physician and the research training required to conduct clinical and translational research.
The dual degree program, designed to be completed within four years, provides the solid foundation necessary to complete research projects in medical school, continue research during residency and throughout one’s career. Through a rigorous academic program, students begin graduate school in the first year of medical school, learning basic science and introductory clinical principles simultaneously with introductory research skills. To ensure that students will be capable of completing the increased academic challenge, preferential admission will be given to those students who have shown previous success in research and have demonstrated the ability to successfully complete a rigorous undergraduate academic program.
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is one of the largest medical schools in the United States and one of the fastest growing medical schools in research. We rank in the top third of medical schools for NIH funding. This is an outstanding environment to earn the dual MD/MS degree. This program builds on our successful MD and MS in CTS programs which have been in place for many years. Many of the currently enrolled MS in CTS students are physicians.
All medical students at MCW have dedicated curriculum time during the school week to pursue an area of academic interest as part of the scholarly pathways program. Students enrolled in the dual degree program will use protected time to complete graduate school coursework. Additional effort beyond that protected time will most certainly be required, which is why the program is limited to a small number of dedicated and accomplished applicants. The research project and required thesis will be completed during required summer research experiences and through third and fourth year research electives. An advising program helps students transition to the dual degree program and locate appropriate mentorship and projects in the student’s area of interest.
MCW is located in a student-friendly suburb of Milwaukee, which gives students the opportunity to live in an environmental setting of their choice (urban or suburban). I encourage you to consider being a part of this exciting program. We welcome your application and hope to see you in Milwaukee.
David Brousseau MD, MS
Director, MD/MS Dual Degree Program
Medical College of Wisconsin
Watch the Video Overview
Program Structure
Program Structure
| Timeline | MD/MS Curriculum | 36 Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Fall (M1) | 20101-Introduction to Clinical and Translational Science | 3 |
| Year 1 Fall (M1) | 20220 - Clinical Statistics I | 3 |
| Year 1 Spring (M1) | 20160 - Foundations of Health Services Research | 3 |
| Year 1 Spring (M1) | 10226 - Regulatory Issues in Human Subject Research Protections | 3 |
| Year 1 Summer (M1) | 20290 - Research Elective (required for MD/MS) | 3 |
| Year 2 Fall (M2) | 20201 - Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| Year 2 Fall (M2) | 20262 - Introduction to Health Economics OR 20120 - Introduction to Health Disparities | 3 |
| Year 2 Spring (M2) | 20302 - Research Seminar | 3 |
| Year 2 Spring (M2) | 20260 - Introduction to Dissemination and Implementation Science | 3 |
| Year 3 Fall (M3) | 20299 - Master’s Thesis | 4.5 |
| Year 4 Fall (M4) | 20299 - Master’s Thesis | 4.5 |
Research Opportunities
Research Opportunities
The Medical College of Wisconsin is a major national research center, representing the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY 2018, $253 million invested in research, teaching, training and related purposes, which will lead to improved patient care and health outcomes. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). More than 2,600 research studies, including clinical trials conducted in MCW’s FY 2018. The Medical College Wisconsin ranks in the top third of all U.S. medical schools in NIH research support.
The Medical College of Wisconsin’s research enterprise is focused on interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and physicians with the goal of rapidly translating discoveries into advances for patient care. The Medical College of Wisconsin continues to expand its strong interdisciplinary research centers, joining faculty from many areas of specialized expertise to focus on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences, infectious diseases and immunology, and community and population health research. Enabling technological platforms include genetics, imaging, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, proteomics and structural biology, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and the Institute for Health and Equity Trainees are given the opportunity to select their MD/MS research advisor from a wide array of successful investigators at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
About the Medical College
About the Medical College
History
Located in the western suburbs of Milwaukee, the Medical College of Wisconsin has been educating the future physicians of America for over a century. The College was founded in 1893 as the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1913, the Wisconsin College of Physicians and Surgeons merged with the Milwaukee Medical College to form Marquette University School of Medicine. In 1967, the medical school separated from Marquette University to become a free-standing institution, subsequently named the Medical College of Wisconsin. In 1978, the College moved to its present location in suburban Milwaukee, on the campus of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
Mission
The Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to the ideals of:
- Education – Teaching the physicians and scientists of tomorrow while enhancing the skills of today’s health professionals.
- Research – Creating new knowledge in basic and clinical sciences through biomedical, behavioral and health service research.
- Patient Care – Caring humanely and expertly for patients and providing leadership in health services.
- Service – Forging local, regional, national and global partnerships in education, health care and research for the betterment of human health.
Medical Education
Every August, over 200 students from around the world begin their medical education at MCW-Milwaukee. Under the guidance of the MCW faculty (over 900 MDs and PhDs), these students will be trained in the basic sciences and clinical skills of modern medicine. Through MCW’s affiliations with Froedtert Hospital, Children’s Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex, Zablocki VA Medical Center, as well as many other hospitals and institutions throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, students are given the opportunity to learn from a broad patient population in a variety of settings.
Milwaukee Regional Medical Center Campus
The Medical College is one of the eight organizations providing patient care on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus. These clinics, hospitals and institutions are staffed by the full-time faculty physicians of the Medical College.
Milwaukee Living
About Milwaukee
- Visit Milwaukee
- Housing/Rental Information
Explore rental options or purchasing a home in the Greater Milwaukee area. - Milwaukee Lodging Resource Guide
The Lodging & Resource Guide was developed to assist you and your family in finding short or long term lodging accommodations while visiting the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center (MRMC).
Application
Application
Eligibility
The MD/MS Program welcomes applicants desiring careers as physician-researchers. All applicants must satisfy the requirements for MCW Medical School, which can be found at https://www.mcw.edu/education/medical-school/prospective-students/admissions. Applicants should have strong academic qualifications as well as experiences that demonstrate potential for success as clinician-investigators.
Application Process
1.
To apply to the MD/MS in Clinical & Translational Science (CTS) Program, complete the online AMCAS application through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) at https://apps.aamc.org/amcas/.
Important Notes
- The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW Medical School) must be included in the list of schools to which the application will be sent.
- The AMCAS completion deadline is November 2. (date changes slightly year to year go to https://www.mcw.edu/education/medical-school/prospective-students/admissions for exact dates)
- Candidates for the MD/MS Program should select “Combined Medical Degree/Graduate” as the program type on the AMCAS application.
2.
Complete the online MCW Secondary Application which will be sent to you by the Admissions Office via email once your completed AMCAS application is received by MCW.
3.
At least two letters of recommendation are required. Applicants use the same letters as for their MD application. Please see https://www.mcw.edu/education/medical-school/prospective-students/admissions for additional details.
Interview Dates
An information session for the MD/MS program is provided on select MD interview days.
Applicants invited for MD/MS interviews will be offered an interview for both programs on the same day. A separate interview with a member of the MD/MS oversight committee will be held in the morning before the start of the medical school interview day.
Applicants who attend the information session and are subsequently admitted to the MD program may request to have their application forwarded to the MD/MS program for consideration. If an interview is granted for the MD/MS program, it can occur via phone.
Additional Information
Additional information about the MD/MS in CTS Program can be obtained by contacting the Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the Medical School.
Alexis Meyer, M.A.
Director of Recruitment and Admissions, MCW Medical School
Phone: (414) 955-8246
Email: medschool@mcw.edu
Contact Us
Contact Us
GENERAL INFORMATION
GRADUATE SCHOOL
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Angela Backus, M.S.
Director of Enrollment and Student Affairs
(414) 955-5670 / Email
Alexis Meyer, M.A.
Director of Recruitment and Admissions, MCW Medical School
Phone: (414) 955-8246
Email: medschool@mcw.edu
PARTNERS
