Masters in Medical Physiology
Gain the confidence and academic credentials to gain admission to medical school.
Set yourself up for success before you apply to medical school. Enroll in the Stritch School of Medicine's, nine-month (September - May) Master of Science in Medical Physiology (MSMP) program. MSMP students take M1-level courses (such as function of the human body and human anatomy) taught by professors who are actively engaged in medical education, from lecturing and clinical research to membership on Stritch Admissions committees. To help ensure your success, class sizes are small (we accept a maximum of 30 students annually). To help guide you through the program and help you with applications to medical school, we assign an expert faculty advisor to each student. Ninety-nine percent of our MSMP graduates who apply to medical school gain admission.
Located on Loyola’s Health Sciences Campus, our program provides opportunities for students to interact with medical professionals and take advantage of activities also available to medical students.
For further information, please visit the Master of Science in Medical Physiology’s MSMP Website.
Click here to view student testimonials: From Masters Degree to Surgical Resident, What can a Masters in Medical Physiology do for you? How Loyola's MSMP program helped me in Medical School.
Graduates of Loyola's MSMP program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values for successful application to medical school.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Cellular Physiology
- Molecular Physiology
- Medical Physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Anatomy
- Neurophysiology
- Social determinants of health
SKILLS:
- Service orientation
- Social Awareness
- Cultural proficiency
- Written communication
- Verbal Communication
PROFESSIONAL VALUES:
- Collaborative spirit
- Professionalism
- Ethical conduct
- Cultural competency
- The MSMP Program will provide students with the opportunity to engage in graduate-level medically relevant courses and thereby enhance the student’s academic credentials for applications to future professional biomedical programs.
- Courses are classroom-taught by medical school professors with extensive experience teaching first- and second-year medical students at the Stritch School of Medicine.
- The program will matriculate maximum 30 students. This small class size provides each student with a more personalized educational experience.
- The program is unique in that we offer a Pathophysiology course taught by a board-certified hematology professor of Pathology and Medical Director of the Clinical Coagulation/Urinalysis Lab; two Professional Development courses designed to enhance the students' ability to prepare résumés, develop interview skills and provide opportunities for students to interact with professionals in medical fields; and a Clinical Bioethics course that will enhance the student’s understanding and appreciation of contemporary medical ethical issues and the application of medical ethics in their future professional biomedical careers.
- Each MSMP student is assigned a faculty adviser who will help guide them through the program and with future applications to professional programs.
- The MSMP program also has local, clinical volunteer opportunities for any students interested.
- Students interested in attending medical school will be guaranteed an admissions interview at the Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine by achieving a GPA in the MSMP Program of 3.6 or higher and whose most recent MCAT score is 509 (±2) or higher. MCATs taken after completion of the MSMP program must be taken within one year of completion of the program. The guaranteed interviews occur after graduation from the MSMP program.
- Courses are classroom-taught by medical school professors with extensive experience teaching first- and second-year medical students at the Stritch School of Medicine.
The MSMP Program consists of nine courses (a total of 30 credit hours). Stritch School of Medicine faculty teach in the MSMP Program.
COURSEWORK
SEMESTER ONE (FALL)
- Cell Physiology (PIOL 417; 3 credits)
- Biochemical Physiology (PIOL 423; 3 credits)
- Function of the Human Body I (PIOL 421; 4 credits)
- Professional Development I (PIOL 500; 3 credits)
- Clinical Bioethics (BEHL 401; 1 credit)
SEMESTER TWO (SPRING)
- Fundamentals of Neurophysiology (PIOL 450; 4 credits)
- Function of Human Body II (PIOL 422; 4 credits)
- Basic Human Anatomy (PIOL 430; 2 credits)
- Introduction to Human Pathophysiology (PIOL 461; 5 credits)
- Professional Development II (PIOL 501; 1 credit)
GRADUATION
Students must achieve an overall grade of a B average to complete the MSMP program and earn their degree. Students falling below a B average during their first semester will be placed on academic probation and receive counseling from their advisor and the program director. Failure to achieve a B average in the first semester may result in dismissal by the Academic Review Committee (consisting of the MSMP program director, the student’s advisor, and an MSMP faculty member appointed by the program director).
GUARANTEED ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW
For students who want to pursue medical school, we will guarantee an admissions interview at the Stritch School of Medicine if they achieve:
- A GPA of 3.6 or higher in the MSMP program
- A most recent MCAT score of 509 (±2) or higher. (Note: MCATs taken after completion of the MSMP program must be taken within one year of completing the program)
Admissions interviews occur after students graduate from the MSMP program.
Program graduates will be able to demonstrate ability in:
- Acquiring advanced knowledge and engaging in transformational and critical thinking.
- Producing and disseminating scholarship.
- Demonstrating ethical thinking and responsible conduct.
- Applying principles of social justice to the larger community.
Ready to apply? This is a good place to start.
DEADLINES
We accept applications for the MS in Medical Physiology program on a rolling basis. For the entering class of 2025, early applicants in advance of the July 28, 2025 deadline are encouraged. Students must confirm their enrollment by August 12, 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. COMPLETED APPLICATION
The MS in Medical Physiology program is within the Loyola Graduate School Biomedical Sciences program. Apply online with no application fee. Or, mail materials to the address below or electronically send to Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management:
Loyola University Chicago Graduate and Professional Enrollment Management
820 N. Michigan Ave.
Lewis Towers, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60611
2. TEST SCORES
- If you've taken the MCAT, please report all scores from the past three years. If you haven't taken the MCAT, you can choose to submit a GRE score from within the last three years.
3. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS
- You must submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools you attended.
4. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- You must submit two letters of recommendation. We will accept pre-medical committee letters. Please send letters to gradapp@luc.edu.
5. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
- A 1-2 page personal statement expressing your motivation and future plans for a professional biomedical career as well as experiences that have contributed to your chosen career path. This would include any relevant clinical, employment, teaching, or research experiences.
6. CURRICULUM VITAE/RESUME
- Please send a CV which includes detailed accounts of any and all relevant research, volunteer (clinical & community), shadowing and clinical experiences. Please be as detailed as possible and state the specific number of hours dedicated to each experience. The CV does not need to be limited to one page.
7. AMCAS/AACOMAS APPLICATION
- For applicants who have applied to medical school, we require an official PDF copy of your AMCAS, AACOMAS and/or TMDSAS application.
Please note: the only documents that cannot be uploaded with an application are transcripts and official test scores. Please send those documents directly to: gradapp@luc.edu
Questions? Contact Program Coordinator Nayelly Villalobos (nvillalobos@luc.edu)
Each course in the MSMP program is run by a course director:
Erika Piedras-Renteria, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology
MSMP Program Director
Fundamentals of Neurophysiology
Professional Development I and II
Introduction to Human Pathophysiology
Robert Frysztak, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medical Education
Basic Human Anatomy
Jonathan Kirk, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology
Function of the Human Body I & II
Mark Kuczewski, Ph.D., Professor of Medical Ethics
Clinical Bioethics
Aleksey Zima, Ph.D., Professor of Physiology
Biochemical Physiology
Patrick Oakes, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Physiology
Cell Physiology
Program Coordinator - Nayelly Villalobos
MSMP Outcomes & Statistics
The MSMP Program has a proven history of our graduates gaining admission into medical school. The average admittance to medical school is 99%.
* denotes incomplete, applications are still in progress.
Medical schools MSMP graduates have been accepted to:
- Albany Medical College
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
- Boston University School of Medicine
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
- Creighton University School of Medicine
- Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Elson S Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University
- Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
-
Frank Netter MD School of Medicine - Quinnipiac University
-
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
-
George Washington University School of Medicine
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
-
Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University
- Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Jagiellonian University School of Medicine (Krakow, Poland)
- John A. Burns School of Medicine
- Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences
- Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Meharry Medical College
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Midwestern University
- New York Medical College
- Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
- Ponce Health Sciences University
- Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School
- Ross University School of Medicine
- Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
- Rush Medical College
- Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
- St. George's University in Grenada
- SUNY Downstate College of Medicine
- SUNY Upstate College of Medicine
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Tufts University School of Medicine
- Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
- University of Alabama at Birmhingham School of Medicine
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
- University of Buffalo School of Medicine
- University of Central Florida College of Medicine
- University of Colorado School of Medicine
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
- University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Medical Scholars MD/PhD Program
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
- University of Kentucky School of Medicine
- University of Louisville
- University of Maryland School of Medicine
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota Medical School
- University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine
- University of Nebraska College of Medicine
- University of Nebraska MD/PhD
- University of Nevada School of Medicine
- University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine
- University of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School
- University of Queensland School of Medicine
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
- University of Texas Medical School at Houston
- University of Vermont School of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth, School of Medicine
- Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
- Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
The following comments are from alumni about their experiences in the MSMP program. Click here to read the full list of shared experiences.
"I 100% credit my successful application cycle to the MSMP program. I’d love to share the 3 biggest reasons why. First, the AMCAS application cycle has so many nuances. For example, it’s key to submit your primary and secondaries early. And what exactly is a personal statement? How should you prepare for interviews? The MSMP walks through every aspect of the process, ensuring you start off on the right foot from the second you hit “submit" on your application. Second, the MSMP program has a reputation for producing successful medical students. I didn’t necessarily understand how strong this reputation was until I started interviewing. I had interviewers telling me how much they correlate medical school success with Loyola’s MSMP. It is a rigorous program that is regarded as such, meaning a successful transcript from the MSMP could very well be the difference that earns you an interview invite or an acceptance off of the wait list. Lastly, the MSMP provides an incredible knowledge base. I can’t believe how applicable the material was, often times with only min
"Without a doubt, my acceptance to medical school was a consequence of my time in MSMP. Besides their extensive support through the exhausting application process, MSMP opened the doors to so many worthwhile experiences on campus that I find not many masters programs have to offer. From volunteering in Maywood, creating friendships with my own classmates and medical students, and even going on a mission trip with Stritch students and faculty during spring break, I could not have made a better decision for my post-graduate studies. What’s more, the school's mission is exactly the physician I want to embody, someone committed to serving disadvantaged populations and being socially aware of crucial issues surrounding a patient's emotional, physical, and mental well-being. As I would learn on campus, there was always the chance to fulfill this mission during MSMP. Also, I found that the Functions of the Human Body (FHB) course was the best part and most applicable. It was well taught and directly related to my medical school preparation. In just 9 months, MSMP has defined my medical career for the better, and I look forward to its direct application in medical school!"
"From the close-knit environment to all the opportunities to be involved on Stritch’s campus, I could not have asked for more from an SMP. The small class size was at first a huge change, but I found it’s nice to be surrounded by people you admire and who are also going through the same process. It helped me thrive, and now the friends I’ve made in the MSMP program are some of my closest. Here, you become a real part of the medical learning community. You can take electives like Med Polish or Med Spanish, use campus resources like the Health Sciences library or the Fitness Center, and maybe even witness your first Match Day -- all alongside med students. In the MSMP program, it isn’t just your mentor who looks out for you -- all the faculty do. Study spaces are reserved for students in the CTRE and teachers make themselves available for review sessions or individual questions. Professors have been genuine sources of encouragement, and they will not hesitate to take the time to review a difficult exam with you one-on-one. You can really tell that everyone wants to see you succeed, and cares about your journey to get there. Although demanding, the MSMP program is truly a testament to what you’re capable of as an applicant. Moving forward, I do believe others will feel the same. While there are many things to consider when researching and applying to graduate schools, I think the most important thing a program like this can bring you is a sense of confidence in your own abilities as a future medical student. Ultimately, I am very happy that I came to Loyola, and am very grateful to the MSMP program for providing a support system of faculty and friends I know I can turn to at any time during this journey.“
University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Class of 2017
“The Loyola MSMP Program has been a great experience for me and now I feel more prepared than ever to begin medical school. The small class size allowed the faculty to go out of their way to guide students individually and I learned a lot from 1:1 interactions with my professors. Each class had small group discussions that presented clinically relevant material that we will see in our professional careers. Furthermore, the unique professional development course and staff really helped me prepare in detail for my interviews. Since we were a small group, all the students got to know each other well and we often meet to go to dinner, study sessions, or different new places in Chicago. Overall, I would highly recommend this program for anyone seeking a degree in healthcare.”
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for taking a chance on me in the program. As I recall my MCAT wasn't to the standards for the program but you still believed in me regardless. Not only that, you recommended at Loyola SSOM and wrote me a great letter for medical school. I am pleased to let you know that I have graduated medical school last week and now I will be doing my residency in Emergency Medicine at Yale.”
“I came to the MSMP Program to strengthen my applications to medical school. The professors are dedicated to helping us succeed, and I am thankful for their invaluable advice through mock interviews, essay critiques, and general discussions about my reapplication process. Our classes are very similar to medical school courses which allowed me to test and demonstrate my academic ability for the rigors of medical school. The Program also provided me with the opportunity to volunteer at Loyola’s Emergency Department where I was able to apply some of our coursework (e.g. reading EKGs) while interacting with medical students and residents. Overall, I think the biggest advantage of the MSMP Program is that it’s located at an academic medical center, where there are opportunities to seek out interactions with researchers, physicians, administrators, and medical students in preparation for a medical career.”
“The MSMP program at Loyola University Chicago has been an excellent experience for me. Being a non-traditional student, I was cautious that I would have difficulty succeeding in advanced-level courses; however, the small class size paired with dedicated and supportive professors ensure that I get a thorough and intense education. The professors present clinically relevant information throughout each lecture, and are driven to ensure students understand the content with full confidence. Additionally, the Loyola faculty members have made themselves available to discuss my personal goals, and have given me resources and guidance to help me reach them. I am very appreciative to be challenged and supported equivocally by the MSMP faculty and Loyola University Chicago. I feel very secure that the program is preparing me for a successful career upon graduation.”
“From day one, I have been impressed not only with how friendly and helpful the professors and staff are, but also with how committed and dedicated my classmates are. I love how targeted the curriculum is to what we will be learning in medical school. Since we have most of the same professors as the medical students, the lectures are tailored to understanding the clinical relevance of the topics covered. In addition, having a small class of people with similar goals creates a focused and supportive atmosphere where I find my desire to pursue medicine constantly renewed.”
“When I decided to pursue a career in medicine, I needed a transition from my background in business and economics. The MSMP program has been more than I could have asked for. The curriculum has supplemented my undergraduate studies with both challenging and valuable classes. In addition, this program has done an excellent job replicating the culture and environment of medical school. Most importantly, the caring faculty has been very intentional about helping me get to the next step in my career.”
or differences from the Stritch lectures, and with the same faculty! You are surrounded by faculty who want to help you succeed, and with classmates who are more than happy to support you. It was a fantastic experience. For only a 9-month investment, I truly believe it opened the door to a career in medicine for me."
"The MSMP program at Loyola has given me many tools and resources to help prepare me for medical school, but, more importantly, I am taking away renewed enthusiasm about my goals and the new challenges ahead. The program creates an environment similar to their medical school by sharing faculty and curricula content with the medical school, and with the small class size we are better able to take advantage of these resources. This experience has been tremendously valuable and I would recommend it to anyone seeking a professional career in medicine."
- If you have further questions please reach out to our Program Coordinator Nayelly Villalobos at nvillalobos@luc.edu
Incomplete applications are not reviewed until all materials have been submitted. The Admissions Committee meets at least monthly to review and discuss applications.
We review each application we receive; each application is read, rated by every committee member, and discussed until a consensus is reached. The time taken from submission to decision is not an indicator of the review process.
The MSMP Admissions Committee reviews every application we receive holistically. Given the right circumstances, an MCAT score lower than 504±2 may be acceptable.
No, there is no interview for admission into the MSMP program. Once accepted into the program, you are welcome to visit campus.
No, the MSMP program itself does not offer any financial aid. If you plan to attend a graduate program, please complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online no later than March 1 to determine if you are eligible to receive financial aid from one or more government programs. Also, you may seek outside loans, scholarships, and grants by visiting a local library or searching online. Some helpful websites include:
- www.fastweb.com (for scholarships)
- www.finaid.org (for scholarships and terms of available loan programs)
- www.ed.gov (for terms of available loan programs)
To be eligible for the GI, you will need a GPA of 3.6; GIs at Stritch are only possible after graduation from the MSMP program. However, if you are granted an interview independent from the program, you will be able to send an update on your performance in the MSMP program.
The average GPA of our alumni is 3.81 + 0.4 (S.E.M), n= 163.
Ninety percent of our graduates have a GPA of 3.6 or higher, which qualifies for an interview at Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine if their MCAT score is 509 + 2.
Note: not all students who qualify for an interview seek one.
Yes, after you complete the first semester, you can access your grades to update your medical school applications. If requested, we will write a letter of recommendation based on your first semester performance.
Yes, we welcome anyone to apply regardless of age or previous major. Since our program launched in 2011, 15% of our students have been non-science majors; 13% have been out of college for two or more years.
Yes, you can email them to gradapp@luc.edu.
No, we are unable to access any of your admissions information from Stritch as it is a program (and school) separate from Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School.
Log into the MCAT Score Reporting System and send your scores to Loyola University Chicago’s Graduate Program.
Please use your highest overall MCAT score on your application. When you send your official MCAT scores, we will see all your exam scores.
Loyola University Chicago's Graduate School and Loyola's Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable.
Set yourself up for success before you apply to medical school. Enroll in the Stritch School of Medicine's, nine-month (September - May) Master of Science in Medical Physiology (MSMP) program. MSMP students take M1-level courses (such as function of the human body and human anatomy) taught by professors who are actively engaged in medical education, from lecturing and clinical research to membership on Stritch Admissions committees. To help ensure your success, class sizes are small (we accept a maximum of 30 students annually). To help guide you through the program and help you with applications to medical school, we assign an expert faculty advisor to each student. Ninety-nine percent of our MSMP graduates who apply to medical school gain admission.
Located on Loyola’s Health Sciences Campus, our program provides opportunities for students to interact with medical professionals and take advantage of activities also available to medical students.
For further information, please visit the Master of Science in Medical Physiology’s MSMP Website.
Click here to view student testimonials: From Masters Degree to Surgical Resident, What can a Masters in Medical Physiology do for you? How Loyola's MSMP program helped me in Medical School.