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| Admissions - Programs - Registration - Events - Staff - NYMC Home |
PHYSIOLOGY PROGRAM
Program Director: Dr. Carl Thompson
Graduate training in physiology aims at providing students with an understanding of the structure and function of the cells and organ systems of the body and the means by which these functions are regulated. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of a sound basic training in general physiology through individually planned programs of course work, tutorials, seminars and supervised research. Instruction leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science is available in the following specialized areas: cellular neurophysiology, regulation of sleep and wakefulness, neural, endocrine and local control of the circulation and microcirculation, cardiac dynamics, cardiac metabolism, cardiac hypertrophy and failure, endocrinology, neuroendocrinology, renal physiology, oxygen metabolism, and the physiology of biological membranes.
Graduates with a degree in physiology can pursue careers in research, teaching or management in academia, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, private research institutions, government science or regulatory agencies, or medicine and health care.
Master of Science Program
Specific Program Requirements (Hegis Code 0410)
Students must achieve an overall “B” average in all physiology courses (GPA = 3.00 or better). In addition, for all physiology required and elective courses, only those in which a grade of B- or better has been earned may count towards fulfilling the degree requirements. Elective credits are normally earned only through advanced physiology courses, but advanced courses offered by other departments may qualify for elective credit with the approval of the physiology program director. Only didactic (letter-graded) courses may be used to fulfill elective credit requirements.
PLAN A: A minimum of 30 credits is required, including the one-credit Master’s Literature Review.
| Required Courses | |
| Mammalian Physiology I & II (PHYS–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Pharmacology I and II (PHARM–1010, 1020) OR General Biochemistry I & II (BIOC–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Lectures in Histology (CELL–1320) OR Cell Biology (CELL–1360) OR Biochemistry of Gene Expression (BIOC–1250) | 3 - 4 credits |
| Master's Literature Review (PHYS–9750) | 1 credit |
| Electives – Physiology | 9 - 10 credits |
TOTAL |
30 credits |
PLAN B: A minimum of 30 credits is required, including a one-credit Master’s Thesis.
| Required Courses | |
| Mammalian Physiology I & II (PHYS–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Pharmacology I and II (PHARM–1010, 1020) OR General Biochemistry I & II (BIOC–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Histology (CELL–1320) OR Cell Biology (CELL–1360) OR Biochemistry of Gene Expression (BIOC–1250) | 3 - 4 credits |
| Master's Thesis Research (PHYS– 9800) | up to 5 credits |
| Master's Thesis (PHYS–9850) | 1 credit |
| Electives – Physiology | 4 - 10 credits |
TOTAL |
30 credits |
Doctor of Philosophy
Specific Program Requirements (Hegis Code 0410)
Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are required to complete a minimum of 45 course credits as listed below. PHYS–8300 must be taken each Spring and PHYS–8010 and PHYS–8020 each semester in residence, but only 1 credit per course may be counted toward the 45-credit program requirement.
| Required Courses | |
| Mammalian Physiology I & II (PHYS–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Pharmacology I and II (PHARM–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| General Biochemistry I & II (BIOC–1010, 1020) | 8 credits |
| Lectures in Histology (CELL–1320) OR Cell Biology (CELL–1360) OR Biochemistry of Gene Expression (BIOC–1250) | 3 - 4 credits |
| Predoctoral Research Rotation (PHYS–9110) | 3 credits* |
| Practical Laboratory (PHYS–8300) | 1 credit* |
| Journal Club (PHYS–8010) | 1 credit* |
| Seminar/ Research Rounds (PHYS–8020) | 1 credit* |
Physiology Electives |
11 - 12 credits |
Subtotal, course credits |
45 credits |
| Doctoral Dissertation Research (PHYS-9900) | 15 credits |
TOTAL |
60 credits |
*These courses may be taken multiple times, but only the indicated number of credits may be applied to Ph.D. credit requirements.
M.D./Ph.D. Candidates
Students in the M.D./Ph.D. program seeking their Ph.D. in physiology must earn eight credits of advanced physiology electives (PHYS 2000 – 7999) and register for PHYS–8010, 8020, 8030) each semester they are offered while the student is in residence in the graduate program. The qualifying examination for these students consists of a modified version of the usual Part 2 exam described below. The student writes a comprehensive review on a topic closely related to the subject of the student’s dissertation project and is usually presented in conjunction with the thesis proposal. The student is examined orally on his/her overall knowledge of physiology at this time.
Qualifying Examination
This exam consists of two parts.
Part 1: Ph.D. students must take a Preliminary Exam after the first year of study. This exam consists of essay questions on topics in all aspects of cellular and systems physiology. The written exam is followed by an oral examination on selected topics.
Part 2: After the second year, the candidate's are tested for in-depth knowledge of their field of specialization and their capacity for critical analysis. This involves preparation of a written scholarly review of an assigned topic, followed by a formal oral presentation of the topic and oral examination by the faculty.
Candidacy
The student is eligible to enter doctoral candidacy after successful completion of both parts of the Qualifying Exam, the accumulation of at least 30 didactic credits including all the required courses, and the recommendation of the program faculty. M.D./Ph.D. students are eligible for candidacy under the same conditions except that the credit requirement consists only of the required graduate courses and the Qualifying Exam consists of the modified version described above.
Dissertation Committee
The dissertation committee must comprise at least 5 members, including the sponsor, at least three members of the Physiology Graduate Faculty and one graduate faculty member from another program. One member may be from another institution. The research sponsor serves as chair of the committee.
Course Descriptions
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PHYS 1010, 1020 Mammalian Physiology PHYS 1010 (4 credits) (Fall) PHYS 1020 (4 credits) (Spring) |
(8 credits) | Drs. Passo and Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 621A.4 and 621B.4) | ||
| This course provides the student with an
introduction to each of the major physiological organ systems
(cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, neural and gastrointestinal)
as well as basic concepts of cellular physiology. The course covers two
semesters. PHYS–1010 or permission of the course director is a prerequisite
for PHYS–1020. Lectures: 4hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
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PHYS 1410 Mammalian Physiology |
(9 credits) | Dr. Levine & Staff |
| (Previously offered as 641.9) | ||
| Instruction is directed toward an understanding
of the means by which the various organ systems of the human body operate
and how these functions are integrated. Laboratory and group conferences are
designed to illustrate and expand the lecture material. Lecture and
Laboratory. Letter-graded. Open to Ph.D. students only.
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PHYS 2010 Cardiovascular Physiology |
(2 credits) | Dr. Messina |
| (Previously offered as 666.2) | ||
| This course covers selected topics in
cardiovascular physiology at a greater depth than in PHYS–1010. The
historical and experimental development of ideas and the identification of
current areas of controversy will be stressed. In addition to lectures by
the instructors, student presentations and group discussions of selected
original research reports will be included. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk.
Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2020 The Heart |
(2 credits) | Drs. Belloni and Hintze |
| (Previously offered as 681.2) | ||
| This course provides an in-depth look at cardiac
performance, and the cellular, ultrastructural and molecular bases of normal
cardiac function and myocardial blood flow. The format will include both
lectures and group discussions. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2030 Pathophysiological Mechanisms of the Heart |
(2 credits) | Drs. Hintze and Belloni |
| (Previously offered as 665.2) | ||
| Discussion of current knowledge of basic defects
in physiological control mechanisms that result in cardiac disease states.
Regular presentations by students, class discussions and guest lectures will
be integral parts of the course. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2110 The Peripheral Circulation |
(2 credits) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 683.2) | ||
| Various regional circulations will be examined
in detail. The vascular beds to be studied include those of the heart,
brain, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and kidney. Physiology
and pathophysiology will be examined. The format will include lectures,
student presentations of assigned readings and group discussions. Lectures:
2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2120 Vascular Physiology |
(2 credits) | Drs. Kaley and Wolin |
| (Previously offered as 687.2) | ||
| The course concentrates on neuronal, humoral and
local mechanisms of regulation of organ blood flow. It also focuses on
physiological and pharmacological mechanisms of regulation of vascular
smooth muscle contractility. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2130 Vascular Smooth Muscle and Control of the Microcirculation |
(2 credits) | Dr. Messina |
| (Previously offered as 682.2) | ||
| This course explores the diversity of vascular
smooth muscle excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms. Additional topics
include the influence of the endothelium on vascular tone and reactivity on
local blood flow regulation. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2310 Cellular Physiology |
(2 credits) | Dr. Wolin |
| (Previously offered as 663.2) | ||
| Discussion of cellular functions including
regulatory mechanisms involving receptors and second messengers,
coordination of cellular metabolism to meet physiological challenges,
functional properties of membranes and the structure-function relationship
of such specialized cells as muscle, vascular and phagocytic cells.
Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2320 Biology of Nitric Oxide |
(2 credits) | Drs. Hintze and Thompson |
| (previously offered as 654.2) | ||
| This course has four specific aims: (1) provide
an overview of the role of nitric oxide in mammalian biology; (2) explore in
some detail specific areas of current research in the role of nitric oxide;
(3) develop student comprehension of the current literature involving nitric
oxide; and (4) improve the student’s ability to interpret the scientific
literature and communicate in a scientific manner. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk.
Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010.
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PHYS 2410 Renal Physiology and Membrane Transport |
(2 credits) | Drs. Levine and Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 669.2) | ||
| The general control of the volume and
composition of body fluids attributed to kidney functions will be addressed.
Specific topics include: control of glomerular filtration; nephron function;
transport of fluid, electrolytes and organic molecules; endocrine regulation
of the kidney. Thermodynamic, kinetic, electrophysiological and metabolic
aspects of membrane transport will be discussed. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk.
Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2510 Reproduction |
(2 credits) | Drs. Levine and Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 674.2) | ||
| This course will include a detailed review of
the endocrine and neuroendocrine interactions that regulate puberty, the
menstrual cycle, pregnancy, fertility, male and female physiological
function and behavior. Effects of certain environmental and occupational
hazards on fertility and reproductive behavior will be discussed. Lectures:
2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2520 Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Physiology |
(2 credits) | Drs. Levine and Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 677.2) | ||
| The course will cover the basic interactions
that occur between several endocrine and neuroendocrine systems. Feedback
control of endocrine secretions, of hormone metabolism, and of metabolic and
physiologic responses to various hormones will be discussed. The course will
present an integrated approach to endocrinological functions, with an
emphasis on how hormones act in concert. Some of the topics to be discussed
are endocrine regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, growth, reproduction,
lipid metabolism, salt and water intake. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded.
Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2620 Pulmonary Physiology |
(2 credits) | Dr. Passo |
| (Previously offered as 676.2) | ||
| Aspects of the pulmonary system in normal and
unique environments (high altitude and high pressure) will be discussed. The
functioning of the pulmonary system in various obstructive and restrictive
disease conditions will also be discussed. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk.
Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2730 Cellular Neurophysiology |
(2 credits) | Dr. Ross |
| (Previously offered as 664.2) | ||
| An examination of the fundamental mechanisms of
action potential propagation, synaptic transmission, and receptor potential
generation. The course involves reading original research reports, but will
emphasize an understanding of fundamental principles rather than an
accumulation of research data from the experimental literature. Lectures: 2
hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020 or BMS–1410.
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PHYS 2910 Physiology of Exercise and Special Environments |
(2 credits) | Dr. Edwards |
| (Previously offered as 667.2) | ||
| This course will examine the integrated
physiological response to exercise and the adaptation to special
environments. Specific topics to be covered include the cardiovascular,
respiratory and biochemical responses to exercise, marathon running and
athletic training, as well the physiological adaptations to high altitude,
undersea pressures and zero gravity environments. Lectures: 2 hrs/wk.
Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020.
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PHYS 2920 Use of Radioisotopes in Biology & Medicine |
(2 credits) | Dr. Hintze |
| (Previously offered as 652.2) | ||
| The first half of the course describes the
physics, biological effects, safe handling and hazards of radioactive
isotopes. The second half consists of lectures by faculty from several
departments describing the use of radioactive isotopes in research.
Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Students may not receive credit for both
PHYS–2920 and PATH–2920. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020 or permission of
instructor.
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PHYS 7010 Directed Readings in Physiology |
(1-2 credits) | Staff |
| (Previously offered as 660.x.1-2) | ||
| Students undertake a course of independent study
under the guidance of one or more faculty advisors. Readings from textbooks,
handbooks, monographs and the scientific periodical literature are assigned
in a specific area of physiology that is relevant to the student’s
interests. The student’s progress is monitored and evaluated through a
series of oral or written examinations, oral presentations by the students
to the faculty advisors(s), and one or more written essays or term papers
based upon the assigned reading. A letter grade is assigned based upon the
student’s performance in these exercises. This course may be taken more than
once with concentration upon different topics in physiology. Available
topics include cardiovascular, cardiac, vascular, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, muscle, renal, cellular, endocrine, or comparative
physiology; neurophysiology; physiology special senses or special
environments; fluid and electrolyte physiology; or customized topics.
Independent study. Conferences: 1-2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite:
PHYS–1010, 1020 or the equivalent, and permission of the instructor.
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PHYS 8010 Journal Club |
(1 credit) | Dr. Passo |
| (Previously offered as 691.1) | ||
| Students attend and participate in presentation
of reports on articles in current journals. Each student makes at least two
presentations. Seminar: 1 hr/wk. Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times.
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PHYS 8020 Seminar/Research Rounds |
(1 credit) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 690.1) | ||
| Ongoing research projects are presented by
graduate students, faculty and visiting researchers. Seminar: 1 hr/wk.
Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students only. May be taken multiple times.
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PHYS 8300 Practical Laboratory |
(1 credit) | Drs. Passo & Messina (Spring) |
| (Previously offered as 661.1) | ||
| Students take part in the preparation,
performance and explanation of laboratory experiments and demonstrations in
641. Internship. Hours to be arranged. Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students
only. May be taken multiple times.
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PHYS 9110 Predoctoral Research Rotation |
(3 credits) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 650.3) | ||
| Students rotate through various laboratories in
the department acquiring the practical skills necessary to conduct research.
Research: hours to be arranged. Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students only. May
be taken twice, but only 3 credits may be applied to degree requirements.
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PHYS 9500 Techniques in Physiological Research |
(1-3 credits) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 651.1-2) | ||
| Students will learn experimental techniques
within a given field of Physiology by working in a laboratory under the
tutelage of a faculty person in that field. Research. Hours to be arranged.
Pass/Fail. Open to Ph.D. students only. May be taken multiple times.
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PHYS 9750 Master’s Literature Review |
(1 credit) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 697.1) | ||
| Candidates for Master's degrees fulfill this
Plan A requirement by writing a scholarly review summarizing the concepts
and research on a topic within the field of physiology. To be selected and
prepared under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Independent study.
Pass/Fail. Required for M.S. degree, Plan A.
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PHYS 9800 Master's Thesis Research |
(1-5 credits) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 698.1-5) | ||
| Candidates for Master's degree fulfill this Plan
B requirement by proposing a research project to be carried out under the
guidance of a faculty advisor. Thesis research. Hours to be arranged.
Pass/Fail. May be taken multiple times, for 1-5 credits per term, but only 5
credits may be counted towards program requirements (Plan B only).
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PHYS 9850 Master’s Thesis |
(1 credit) | Dr. Thompson |
| (Previously offered as 695.1) | ||
| The candidate writes a scholarly thesis
describing his/her original laboratory research (see PHYS–9800). The thesis
must be approved by a faculty committee and defended by the student.
Independent study. Pass/Fail. Required for M.S. degree, Plan B.
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PHYS 9900 Doctoral Dissertation Research |
Dr. Thompson | |
| (Previously offered as 699.1-15) | ||
| Dissertation research conducted by students who
have qualified as candidates for the Ph.D. degree. Pass/Fail. Thesis
research. Hours to be arranged. Open to Ph.D. students only. May be taken
multiple times for an overall total of 15 credits.
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BMS 1410 Neural Science |
(8 credits) | Dr. Sharma & Staff (Spring) |
| (Previously offered as 922.8) | ||
| An interdisciplinary course which integrates
material from the fields of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and
neuropharmacology. Basic information is related to lectures and patient
demonstrations by clinicians from fields of neurosurgery, neurology,
neuropathology, mental retardation, psychiatry and rehabilitation medicine.
Lectures and laboratory. Letter- graded. Open to Ph.D. students only.
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BMS 3010 Molecular Neurobiology |
(2 credits) | Drs. Ross, Leonard and Sabban |
| (Previously offered as 920.2) | ||
| Discussion of the structure and function of
important molecules in the nervous system. The first part of the course
concerns itself with molecules responsible for ion transport, such as the
sodium channel and transmitter receptor channel, utilizing results from
path-clamping and gene cloning. The second part covers intercellular
communication, such as peptides, NGF and cellular recognition molecules.
Lectures: 2 hrs/wk. Letter-graded. Prerequisite: PHYS–1010, 1020 or
BMS–1410.
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Graduate Faculty and Research Interests
Piero Anversa, M.D.
Professor of Medicine; Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute
M.D. 1965, University of Parma (Italy)
Research/Interests - Cell death and cell growth in heart failure of ischemic and non-ischemic origin; use of adult cardiac stems to repair damaged aged and infracted myocardium.
Francis L. Belloni, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology and Dean, Graduate School of Basic Medical
Sciences
B.S. 1970, Providence College; Ph.D. 1975, The University of Michigan
Research/Interests - Intrinsic control of the heart and peripheral circulation.
John G. Edwards, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Physiology
B.A., B.P.H.E. 1976, Queen’s University; Ph.D. 1987, University of Iowa
Research/Interests - Physiological control of gene transcription; regulation of transcription factors; cardiac hypertrophy; exercise biochemistry and overload alterations of the myocardial phenotype.
Thomas H. Hintze, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.A. 1972, Ohio Wesleyan University; Ph.D. 1979, New York Medical College
Research/Interests - Large coronary blood vessels and coronary vasospasm; role of prostaglandin and coronary blood flow; adrenergic system and myocardial hypertrophy, atrial natriuretic peptide.
An Huang, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physiology
M.D. 1982, M.Sc. 1988, Ph.D. 1991, Shanghai Second Medical University
Research/Interests - Role of estrogens in vascular function
Gabor Kaley, Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman of Physiology
B.S. 1950, Columbia University; Ph.D. 1960, New York University
Research/Interests - Small blood vessels and the mechanisms by which they control tissue perfusion.
Akos Koller, M.D.
Professor of Physiology M.D.
M.D. 1975, Semmelweis Medical University (Hungary)
Research/Interests - Regulation of blood flow in microcirculation.
Christopher S. Leonard, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.S. 1978, Northeastern University, Ph.D. 1986, New York University
Research/Interests - Neuronal integration; synaptic and non-synaptic neuromodulation; nitric oxide in the CNS; brain cholinergic systems; neural basis of sleep and wakefulness.
Ellen M. Levee, D.V.M.
Assistant Professor of Physiology, Assistant Professor of Pathology and
Director, Comparative Medicine
D.V.M. 1985, Autonomous University of Juarez (Mexico)
Norman Levine, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.S. 1961, City College of New York; Ph.D. 1971, New York University
Research/Interests - Seminal fluid formation.
Edward J. Messina, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.S. 1960, St. John's University; Ph.D. 1973, New York Medical College
Research/Interests - Microvascular regulation of blood flow, blood pressure and vascular smooth muscle reactivity.
Stanley S. Passo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physiology
B.S. 1961, City College of New York; Ph.D. 1967, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University
Research/Interests - Neuroendocrine control of the circulation.
Fabio A. Recchia, M.D.,Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physiology
M.D. 1990, University of Bari (Italy); Ph.D. 1998, University of Torino (Italy)
Research/Interests - Control of myocardial metabolism; nitric oxide; heart failure; cardiac mechanics and efficiency; coronary circulation.
William N. Ross, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.A. 1962, Ph.D. 1969, Columbia University
Research/Interests - Regional electrical properties of single neurons, especially Purkinje cells from the cerebellum and isolated neurons from invertebrate nervous system.
Dong Sun, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Physiology
M.D. 1982, Xuzhou Medical College; Ph.D. 1997, New York Medical College
Research/Interests - Role of endothelial stress on coronary arteriolar function
Carl I. Thompson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Physiology, Graduate Program Director
B.S. 1974, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Ph.D. 1980, University of Virginia
Research/Interests - Cardiovascular/renal physiology; local metabolic control of vascular hemodynamics.
Michael S. Wolin, Ph.D.
Professor of Physiology
B.A. 1975, SUNY-Binghamton; Ph.D. 1981, Yale University
Research/Interests - Molecular mechanisms of regulation of pulmonary vascular tone associated with guanylate cyclase modulation and oxygen metabolism.