Medical College of Wisconsin

09/01/2026

MCW is proud to announce that, effective today, Brett Kissela, MD, GME '96, MS, has been appointed Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and the Dean of the MCW School of Medicine.

As a nationally recognized neurologist, stroke epidemiologist, and clinician-scientist, Dr. Kissela brings extensive leadership experience in academic medicine, research administration, and health system strategy to one of the nation’s largest private medical schools.

As Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the MCW School of Medicine, Dr. Kissela will define and execute a bold strategic vision for the School of Medicine that furthers the shared goals of MCW and its clinical partners.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Kissela as he leads the MCW School of Medicine toward the future.

08/31/2026

Trauma can extend far beyond the moment an event occurs and potentially lead to dissociation — a disruption in the sense of connection to one’s surroundings, memories, emotions or even sense of self. When dissociating, someone may appear calm or continue moving through daily life while struggling internally.

Artist and former orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian A. McCarty, explores that divide in Dissociation, a sculpture inspired by the experience of watching a close family member live with chronic complex post-traumatic stress and recurring dissociative episodes.

Learn more: https://www.mcw.edu/project-wonder/the-shape-of-dissociation

The sculptures featured can be viewed in a temporary exhibit outside the MCW cafeteria until early October.

08/31/2026

In this second video of a three-part series, MCW students Yanling Chen and Michaela Cortes offer gratitude for their immersive research experience after arriving in Nepal.

As Kohler Scholars, they were hosted by MCW global health partner Dhulikhel Hospital. The pair are mentored by MCW professor of obstetrics and gynecology Dr. Anna Palatnik and Dr. Nathan Zwagerman, associate professor of neurosurgery, and have contributed to research engagement in these specialty areas.

08/27/2026

Scientist Emma Morrison, PhD, is studying how the inner workings of our cells could help pave the way for new, more targeted cancer therapies.

Her research focuses on chromatin, the tightly packaged complex of DNA and proteins inside a cell’s nucleus. Once thought to serve mostly a structural role, chromatin is now known to play an important part in turning genes on and off.

By uncovering how these fundamental processes work, Dr. Morrison hopes to reveal new opportunities to treat diseases like cancer, where gene regulation can go awry.

“I think it’s important to understand these fundamental processes in order to truly understand how to rationally design new therapeutics within the cell’s nucleus,” she says.

Learn more: https://www.mcw.edu/mcwknowledge/mcw-stories/mcw-researcher-studies-the-hidden-life-of-dnas-packaging-using-nmr

08/26/2026

Did you know that every woman will experience menopause, yet many enter this life stage without a clear understanding of what is happening in their bodies? From hot flashes and sleep disturbances to changes in heart health, bone health, mood, and cognition, menopause is a natural transition that can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

Take a virtual coffee break with the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment as we sit down with Dr. Sabrina Hofmeister, DO, FAAFP, Family Medicine Doctor and Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Together, we'll explore the science behind menopause, separate myth from fact, discuss evidence-based treatment options, and examine how women can navigate this important life stage with knowledge, confidence, and support.

Presented in partnership with the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment.

08/24/2026

MCW student doctors, Yanling Chen and Michaela Cortes were accepted into the competitive Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy of Global Health Research facilitated by MCW's Office of Global Health.

This video, the first of three parts, features Yanling and Michaela in the airplane ahead of departure for their Nepal-based immersive summer 2026 research experience.

Yanling was sponsored by the Wm. Collins Kohler Foundation and Michaela, the St. Joseph's Hospital PES Fund.

Stay tuned as they share more from their research experience in Nepal.

08/21/2026

This summer, undergraduates Celeste Vargas and Katherine Lizarraga Mazaba participated in MCW’s Summer Health-Related Research Education Program (SHREP). Through this 10-week experience, each conducted hands-on research in an MCW lab.

They also gained direct clinical exposure, engaged in weekly professional development sessions, and learned about the career paths of MCW researchers and clinicians.

SHREP is one of several programs offered by the Office of Academic Pathways (OAP), whose mission is to introduce students to careers in medicine and science. Both Vargas and Lizarraga Mazaba have participated in multiple OAP programs, which Lizarraga Mazaba calls "a community interested in science and sharing similar goals.”

Learn more: https://www.mcw.edu/mcwknowledge/mcw-stories/medical-college-of-wisconsin-summer-research-program-strengthens-student-commitment-to-science

08/20/2026

We asked students, staff, and faculty to participate in a “Campus Photo Challenge” where they captured their favorite photos of MCW’s campus.

Here’s a selection of photos they shared, showcasing the photography skills of the MCW community! 🏫📸

In order, photos were captured by:

Callie Seegert
Andrea Kurtz
Andrea Bequest
Jennifer Brown
Melinda Mastel
Miriam Sanchez (MCW-Central Wisconsin)

08/19/2026

Over 1,000 people came together earlier this month for the 2nd Annual Audaxity Ride. Together, they covered approximately 19,245 miles to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. Learn more:

MILWAUKEE, (CBS 58) -- More than 1,000 people came together Sunday morning to raise money to fight cancer.Today marked the 2nd Annual Audaxity Bike Ride at American family field.The event brings cancer

08/18/2026

In this final video showcasing MCW Student Doctor Steven Du’s experience in Ethiopia, he reflects on adaptability acclimating to a new research environment following his return.

During his stay, Steven assisted with developing best implementation practices and the evaluation of a real-time data-sharing platform integrating emergency medical services and hospital care in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

The Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy of Global Health Research encourages students enter the research field during a 10-week hands-on experience. Over the course of the summer, students split their research experience addressing health disparities both locally in Milwaukee and internationally with global collaborators.

Learn more about the program: https://www.mcw.edu/departments/office-of-global-health/research