Sorry I’m stealing the replies. But there’s a lot of research opportunities. Most students do the summer research program between M1 and M2 year. You do research all summer and get a stipend. There’s plenty of labs to join you simply just have to reach out to faculty to get involved. You also get to pick a preceptor (or they will assign it if you don’t pick yourself) who you go shadow once a week during your M1 and part of M2 year. There’s also a research track where you either have to get a 1st author pub or do a thesis and you’ll get honors in research on your diploma. Plus you can do a research elective during M3 rotations.
Local community wise, there is a student run clinic you can volunteer at M1 year. There are community service student run organizations. Lots of students tutor. Pretty sure service is mandatory as of this year too.
Personally I think the best thing about MCW is the Froedert and Childrens are connected to the school so you don’t have to go off site. When you do your M3 rotations, the other hospitals are within 15 minutes which is so nice. Lectures aren’t mandatory minus anatomy lab, no dress code on campus. Housing is affordable around the campus in some nice neighborhoods too.
*I don’t go here but I’ve lived here since my bf moved here for med school, he’s an M3 now. I’ve worked at the med school the past 2 years, & I’m applying this cycle so I happen to know a lot (good & bad)