November 1, 2009—A one-year special master's program (SMP) in physiology could be just what college graduates need to strengthen their academic credentials in preparation for application to U.S. medical schools. UC's Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology today begins accepting applications to the 2010–11 program [full details].

"Among the benefits of the program," explained Robert Banks, PhD, professor of molecular and cellular physiology, and director of the MS program, "our students get a side-by-side comparison with first-year medical students, as they are enrolled in medical physiology, medical biochemistry and medical histology & cell biology—among the top predictors of success in medical school."

"The program is small, accepting 28 students to this year's program, allowing us to give a lot of attention to each student," said Chip Montrose, PhD, professor and chairman. "Anyone who has seen the YouTube video of our past master's students racing a giant kidney kart in the Mt Adams RedBull race as a tribute to Dr Banks will immediately get an idea of the tight relationship with faculty."

During the spring quarter, students are enrolled in graduate courses (including molecular physiology, neurophysiology and statistics). In the summer quarter, students complete a literature review on a current topic of significance in medical physiology or write a paper on their lab-based research project. Completion of this SMP or "gap-year" program provides credentials that allow direct comparison of the physiology graduates with current medical school students, an important and unusual milestone during application to medical schools.

So is it just what the doctor ordered? "Since the launch of the program in 2006," says Banks, "we have witnessed an increase in the number and caliber of our applicants. Over 50% of our graduates who apply to medical school are accepted during the MS program year, and that number rises to over 90% by the following year. That means—based on success rates for acceptance to medical school—our program already ranks among the top U.S. special master's programs of its kind."