Our program trains integrative physiologists who can conduct whole animal research and teach the systems physiology required for education health professionals. This priority coincides with the explosion of physiological genomics. Attaching function to genes will occupy our students for much of their careers. Our objective is to teach the mechanisms which underlie circulatory, renal, pulmonary, and smooth muscle function in health and disease. Our faculty is often associated with MCW Centers, fostering collaborations between basic science and clinical departments. Our curriculum stresses interdisciplinary training. During the first two years, each student creates a program based on his interests. Students then focus on research experience with a mentor. Most students complete the program in 4-5 years.