USC Master of Science in Global medicine Class of 2013-2014

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
E

EvenIf

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2011
Messages
44
Reaction score
9
Points
4,551
  1. Pre-Optometry
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Haven't seen a thread for this program so I thought I'd start it 🙂
Anyone heard back yet?
 
I'm actually going to be a pretty late applicant, sadly...since I still need to take my MCATs. But I'll be sending in an application by beginning of May latest. Late, I know. But I'll post back when I know. xD
 
Good luck on both your mcat and Apps! 🙂
Are you applying to other programs as well?
 
Anyone know of how successful applicants are coming out of this program? I'm especially interested if there is a better chance of being accepted to USC Keck for OOS students if they go through this program.

Especially since tuition is $50k
 
Last edited:
digitalgradedoc said:
Anyone know of how successful applicants are coming out of this program? I'm especially interested if there is a better chance of being accepted to USC Keck for OOS students if they go through this program.

Especially since tuition is $50k
Click to expand...


Hey Digital, so I talked to the program and asked around. There's no linkage to Keck and this program isn't specifically tailored to get students into medical school, rather it's a good program for those who are interested in global health. It might look good for a medical school but no linkages.

@EvenIf, I'll also be applying to Touro's MSMHS, Vallejo. ^^
 
Just submitted my application! Hoping to receive word within a month.
 
Quote:
Hey Digital, so I talked to the program and asked around. There's no linkage to Keck and this program isn't specifically tailored to get students into medical school, rather it's a good program for those who are interested in global health. It might look good for a medical school but no linkages.


Yeah, I feel like this program is more for people who are borderline for Med school and want to study global medicine while adding something more interesting to their app. I think there's only one or two M1 classes in the curriculum that's optional.

@mika252 & futureortho...best of luck!
 
Last edited:
hey guys! I was wondering what was everyone's stats that are applying or have heard back? I'm really interested in this program and I'm an OOS student so I'm just trying to get a feel of who has been accepted or what they are truly looking for?! 🙂🙂🙂
 
I already applied. I got an email a while ago saying that they are in the process of reviewing applications...so keeping my fingers crossed!
 
I hate to break the news, but it looks as if the USC MGM management have changed this program from being designed for people wanting to attend medical school to those wanting to enter allied health. They even changed the entire website design. This might seem like a trick in wording to those who hadn't seen -- or remember -- the site from last year, but trust me, the MGM program has changed. I also know the program representatives, and have spoken with them in person several times. Keep reading, trust me.

Have a look at the new program description (that excludes premeds):
http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/De...of_Science_in_Global_Medicine/Curriculum.aspx
"The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental, and pharmacy students, current physicians and allied health professionals, and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine."

You don't have to take my opinion for it, but I believe that this program is now officially on par with public health masters programs in regard to the benefit that premedical applicants will receive from completing it in terms of medical school application "enhancement." Like a public health masters, sure, premeds can do it, but it's not for getting your foot in the door anywhere, and it's not going to jump out of the page on your AMCAS profile to application screeners at med schools when your GPA and/or MCAT is low.

However, there is something that you might not be aware of that USC appears to have done to mitigate the essential cancellation of purpose for the MGM program. If you want to know what that is, PM me. I don't want to say anything publicly about it until I know more.

All I'll say is that when Dr. Midlife chased the USC MGM rep off the board with one of her classic harangues, and I tried to mediate and suggest that we work together to help the USC MGM people understand the SMP crowd's needs for more science options and affiliation with their medical campus, USC's MGM managers appear to have listened (to me, that is).

If you want a laugh, and have a few minutes, check out me sparring with Dr. Midlife:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13191079&postcount=9

Here's me saying that USC MGM should collaborate with us to create a hard science track:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13194265&postcount=11
Here's my jewel from this thread:
"Further, and possibly most damaging of all, the USC MGM program will miss feedback from us regarding their ability to structure a program that competes with the hard science SMPs back East. That's my opinion. I already emailed them about tailoring a mostly science courseload in their program, and they didn't seem too keen on it. If they knew what I know, I suspect that they'd encourage more sciences and relatively few global medicine classes. Feedback from this place would help them develop their curriculum. People like the dean of admissions at UCD SOM wouldn't have been telling me that the USC MGM program is soft on the sciences, and not as accurate of a predictor of med school success as the SMPs back East. Think about it."

If I can bask in my own self-satisfaction for another minute or so, I don't believe that I would have learned what I did unless I didn't just take people's advice on this forum for finding SMP only options for my specific academic and personal history. I didn't just "read the low GPA sticky" as Dr. Midlife suggested, or apply to SMPs back East, only.

I hate to say I told you so, Dr. Midlife, and robflwanker, but I told you so.
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
MDforMee said:
I hate to break the news, but it looks as if the USC MGM management have changed this program from being designed for people wanting to attend medical school to those wanting to enter allied health. They even changed the entire website design. This might seem like a trick in wording to those who hadn't seen -- or remember -- the site from last year, but trust me, the MGM program has changed. I also know the program representatives, and have spoken with them in person several times. Keep reading, trust me.

Have a look at the new program description (that excludes premeds):
http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/De...of_Science_in_Global_Medicine/Curriculum.aspx
"The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental, and pharmacy students, current physicians and allied health professionals, and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine."

You don't have to take my opinion for it, but I believe that this program is now officially on par with public health masters programs in regard to the benefit that premedical applicants will receive from completing it in terms of medical school application "enhancement." Like a public health masters, sure, premeds can do it, but it's not for getting your foot in the door anywhere, and it's not going to jump out of the page on your AMCAS profile to application screeners at med schools when your GPA and/or MCAT is low.

However, there is something that you might not be aware of that USC appears to have done to mitigate the essential cancellation of purpose for the MGM program. If you want to know what that is, PM me. I don't want to say anything publicly about it until I know more.

All I'll say is that when Dr. Midlife chased the USC MGM rep off the board with one of her classic harangues, and I tried to mediate and suggest that we work together to help the USC MGM people understand the SMP crowd's needs for more science options and affiliation with their medical campus, USC's MGM managers appear to have listened (to me, that is).

If you want a laugh, and have a few minutes, check out me sparring with Dr. Midlife:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13191079&postcount=9

Here's me saying that USC MGM should collaborate with us to create a hard science track:
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=13194265&postcount=11
Here's my jewel from this thread:
"Further, and possibly most damaging of all, the USC MGM program will miss feedback from us regarding their ability to structure a program that competes with the hard science SMPs back East. That's my opinion. I already emailed them about tailoring a mostly science courseload in their program, and they didn't seem too keen on it. If they knew what I know, I suspect that they'd encourage more sciences and relatively few global medicine classes. Feedback from this place would help them develop their curriculum. People like the dean of admissions at UCD SOM wouldn't have been telling me that the USC MGM program is soft on the sciences, and not as accurate of a predictor of med school success as the SMPs back East. Think about it."

If I can bask in my own self-satisfaction for another minute or so, I don't believe that I would have learned what I did unless I didn't just take people's advice on this forum for finding SMP only options for my specific academic and personal history. I didn't just "read the low GPA sticky" as Dr. Midlife suggested, or apply to SMPs back East, only.

I hate to say I told you so, Dr. Midlife, and robflwanker, but I told you so.
Click to expand...



Thank you so much for sharing this information. I think that it is important to show that distinction and to also do your research especially if you are interested in doing a true SMP. However, I still think this is still an excellent program and for those who are interested in Global Health (like me), it would be a different outlet to maybe separate yourself from thousands of applicants applying. Have you applied to any SMP's?
 
jah1914 said:

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I think that it is important to show that distinction and to also do your research especially if you are interested in doing a true SMP. However, I still think this is still an excellent program and for those who are interested in Global Health (like me), it would be a different outlet to maybe separate yourself from thousands of applicants applying. Have you applied to any SMP's?
Click to expand...

It is a good outlet to separate yourself from other applicants, yes. But, as far as academic enhancement is concerned, a.k.a. what your typical SMP applicant needs, this program is light in the sciences.

Also, in support of my theory about this program being deconstructed from a faux SMP, USC has removed the big 4 unit a piece anatomy, physiology, and pathology courses from the curriculum/electives. Specifically, "GM 530 - Foundations of Medicine: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (4 units each)." These courses were essentially the only hard science components offered to MGM students. Now, they're gone, as of this year. I don't find this coincidental.

Anyhow, and although I may seem critical of USC's MGM program, I've only put out there what I believe will help other premedical applicants. Besides, USC has their bases covered. They're not losing any sleep over this.

And yes, I've applied to Tufts and Georgetown. But, I'm not only applying to SMPs. I'm considering a health-related M.S. that I plan on creating a full write up on for this forum, along with several other notable, similar programs, but I don't want to say anything about that until I know that I'm accepted. I'll just say this: what I post, when I do, should help a lot of Californians that are on the border of requiring an SMP, being accepted at a DO, and having a slim chance at the UC medical schools, like me.

EDIT:
oh yeah, I forgot, USC axed the baccalaureate --> MD program this year, too.
http://dornsife.usc.edu/baccalaureate-md-program/

Good riddance, IMO. 17 year olds being accepted to medical school on a conditional basis is just wrong.

I'm not sorry to see the MGM program go, either. Like I said, changes are happening at USC. Changes for the better.
 
Last edited:
Fun. I've submitted my application just now either way. Now to get letters and transcripts there. But also applied to the Touro masters and will probably do a few others last minute. -.-"
 
EvenIf said:
Hi mdformee,
You seem to have a lot of insight and strong opinions for this program. Just curious, where are you applying to instead/where will you be going in the fall? (I'm assuming you're applying for smp this fall).
Click to expand...

I do have insight, and opinions, and yes they are strong, but I just don't want to see someone invest time and $ under any type of false pretense that USC's MGM program will perform academic repair, because it won't. On the flip side, their program is good in the ways that a public health program is good for the SMP crowd. Which makes it not for the SMP crowd. That's all I'm trying to say.

Besides, if I hadn't posted what I did about them excluding premeds in their purpose, or removing the "real" science components of their elective options, I have my doubts about any of you knowing this until after you've already showed up to day 1 at the program (and paid tuition, of course). Most of you wouldn't have known that you didn't know, which isn't your fault, but as I've said in earlier threads, I've been researching this program for some time, and my post history shows this.

But in other news, yeah, I'm applying to Touro CA's MSMHS, since it has a great linkage, but I'm also applying to Georgetown. A friend of mine is an alumni of Georgetown, and he wrote me a letter of recommendation. I said that I would apply to Georgetown's SMP to him in 2006, and it's mostly for that reason. This person basically inspired me to leave nursing, and since his background was similar to mine, he showed me that getting into medical school isn't impossible with a few bad first years in school.

What I'm probably (99.9%) going to do (and where I've been accepted, already) is attend UCSF's Biomedical Imaging M.S. program. This program is designed to introduce various imaging techniques aimed at understanding pathologies of disease, morphological characteristics of disease, as well as monitoring response to therapy and assessing the underlying mechanisms and etiologies of everything from vascular disease to meningitis. During this program, I'll be trying to land a research gig under someone at UCSF. This program may also offset the fact that I may be going DO and trying to match into a competitive residency, since it is UCSF, after all.

If I don't have a lot of interviews this Fall, I'll be doing a second year at UCSF by doing the program part time, increasing my research, and including a thesis. If research is limited, or something changes, I will be applying to UC Berkeley for a Masters in Translational Medicine to do during the second year. That's a reach, though. I'm already accepted to a biochem oriented Chemistry M.S. at UCSD, and while I can't defer that, I may reapply and do it during the second year for more research experience in a field related to what I'll be researching during the UCSF M.S.; for example, tissue/cellular effects of pharmacological agents in the neurological system, etc etc.

I have also applied to USC's Masters in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, but honestly, the UCSF program is kind of a golden ticket. The USC program is nice, though, and it's courses mirror 1st and 2nd year medical school courses. I'd bet that my USMLE step scores would go up if I did the USC program.

But anyhow, this is the long and short of what it is that I'm doing. When I know more, I'll create a nice, detailed write up titled "California SMP" or something so that people like me with 3.3+ and 30+ scores from California have the benefit of all of this research I've done. I'm writing it in this thread, too, so that people stumble across it eventually, and end up doing more research on the topics and not just applying to Tufts, BU, etc.

PM me with any questions.
 
Last edited:
MDforMee said:
I do have insight, and opinions, and yes they are strong, but I just don't want to see someone invest time and $ under any type of false pretense that USC's MGM program will perform academic repair, because it won't. On the flip side, their program is good in the ways that a public health program is good for the SMP crowd. Which makes it not for the SMP crowd. That's all I'm trying to say.

Besides, if I hadn't posted what I did about them excluding premeds in their purpose, or removing the "real" science components of their elective options, I have my doubts about any of you knowing this until after you've already showed up to day 1 at the program (and paid tuition, of course). Most of you wouldn't have known that you didn't know, which isn't your fault, but as I've said in earlier threads, I've been researching this program for some time, and my post history shows this.

But in other news, yeah, I'm applying to Touro CA's MSMHS, since it has a great linkage, but I'm also applying to Georgetown. A friend of mine is an alumni of Georgetown, and he wrote me a letter of recommendation. I said that I would apply to Georgetown's SMP to him in 2006, and it's mostly for that reason. This person basically inspired me to leave nursing, and since his background was similar to mine, he showed me that getting into medical school isn't something that is beyond my grasp if I devoted myself 100% to my goal.

What I'm probably (99.9%) going to do (and where I've been accepted, already) is attend UCSF's Biomedical Imaging M.S. program. This program is designed to introduce various imaging techniques aimed at understanding pathologies of disease, morphological characteristics of disease, as well as monitoring response to therapy and assessing the underlying mechanisms and etiologies of everything from vascular disease to meningitis. During this program, I'll be trying to land a research gig under someone at UCSF. This program may also offset the fact that I may be going DO and trying to match into a competitive residency, since it is UCSF, after all.

If I don't have a lot of interviews this Fall, I'll be doing a second year at UCSF by doing the program part time, increasing my research, and including a thesis. If research is limited, or something changes, I will be applying to UC Berkeley for a Masters in Translational Medicine to do during the second year.

I have also applied to USC's Masters in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, but honestly, the UCSF program is kind of a golden ticket. The USC program is nice, though, and it's courses mirror 1st and 2nd year medical school courses. I'd bet that my USMLE step scores would go up if I did the USC program.

But anyhow, this is the long and short of what it is that I'm doing. When I know more, I'll create a nice, detailed write up titled "California SMP" or something so that people like me with 3.3+ and 30+ scores from California have the benefit of all of this research I've done. I'm writing it in this thread, too, so that people stumble across it eventually, and end up doing more research on the topics and not just applying to Tufts, BU, etc.

PM me with any questions.
Click to expand...

Hey MDforMee, I actually called the office of this program again and they said they still have the core systems and principles in their program. So we'll still get some of the hard sciences for the clinical track. Just a bit confused by what you mean when they removed the "real" sciences.

Edit: But I'm also applying for a few other programs as well. Touro MSMHS as you know and will probably do a last minute Tufts and PCOM MS as well.
 
Mika252 said:
Hey MDforMee, I actually called the office of this program again and they said they still have the core systems and principles in their program. So we'll still get some of the hard sciences for the clinical track. Just a bit confused by what you mean when they removed the "real" sciences.

Edit: But I'm also applying for a few other programs as well. Touro MSMHS as you know and will probably do a last minute Tufts and PCOM MS as well.
Click to expand...

I like Touro's MSMHS. It's a good program. But anyhow, I quoted "real" sciences because their actual sciences are modules on various diseases, like malaria, TB, etc. They used to have the "real" GM 530 - Foundations of Medicine: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (4 units each) series, but cancelled it, this year.

And, sorry for raining on your parade, guys, but IMO USC's MGM reps knew that the program had been changed, and didn't tell any of you about it. The way it sounds to me is that they're still playing that same spiel about 90% of the class getting into medical school thing when you call in, when their website update says that the program isn't for premeds. 👎
 
MDforMee said:
I like Touro's MSMHS. It's a good program. But anyhow, I quoted "real" sciences because their actual sciences are modules on various diseases, like malaria, TB, etc. They used to have the "real" GM 530 - Foundations of Medicine: Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (4 units each) series, but cancelled it, this year.

And, sorry for raining on your parade, guys, but IMO USC's MGM reps knew that the program had been changed, and didn't tell any of you about it. The way it sounds to me is that they're still playing that same spiel about 90% of the class getting into medical school thing when you call in, when their website update says that the program isn't for premeds. 👎
Click to expand...

Hmm..By cancel, do you mean they moved it from the required courses to electives??
Correct me if I'm wrong..this is the website I get all my info from:
http://keckmed.usc.edu/msgm/curriculum.html
 
EvenIf said:
Hmm..By cancel, do you mean they moved it from the required courses to electives??
Correct me if I'm wrong..this is the website I get all my info from:
http://keckmed.usc.edu/msgm/curriculum.html
Click to expand...

That's actually where I got my info too and Tracy told me that nothing's changed in the curriculum, so yes, bit confused. xD But the MS for immunology and microbiology also looks excellent. I think I might give the department a call to find out a little more about it.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
MDforMee said:
They had a different website last year. On the older website, it listed the GM 530 courses as electives.
Click to expand...

But they still do. It's just split into three different classes.
 
EvenIf said:
Hi Mika252, I just called and verified that the updated website is this one: http://keckmed.usc.edu/msgm/curriculum.html

and also the MEDS 530 series are still part of the curriculum as electives.
Click to expand...
Evenlf, you are correct. MEDS 530B is offered both fall and spring semesters! I'm taking it right now, and took core principles (now called Foundations of Medical Sciences per Keck SOM)...both are VERY science heavy.
 
digitalgradedoc said:
Anyone know of how successful applicants are coming out of this program? I'm especially interested if there is a better chance of being accepted to USC Keck for OOS students if they go through this program.

Especially since tuition is $50k
Click to expand...
Current and previous students have been very successful in their applications, and many have been accepted this cycle. While there is no linkage with Keck SOM, you will be taking small, personal classes with medical school faculty (physicians, deans, physicians that serve on the adcom, etc) and they are all extremely helpful. They are more than willing to answer questions, host admissions workshops, and also prepare students for the interviews. It's on a very personal level, and definitely adds to one's application.
Also, many students have gone on to matriculate into Keck SOM, although I do not want to make any associations here on SDN. All I can say is, it helps!
 
Thank you for clearing all of that up for us. =D
 
erin25 said:
I'm in this program. MDforMEE, sorry to say but you are wrong on so many levels.
Click to expand...

Like I said, I don't have anything against the USC MGM program, but in this case:

1. They had a different website last year
2. The new website (that I'd never seen until this year) excludes premeds in its purpose
3. The same new website eliminated the science options

I felt obligated to tell the forum about these changes. If the purpose of the program had changed, and if they eliminated science options, while at the same time, I'd found a potentially better program at USC, well, I'll just leave it at that.

I was also one of the program's biggest defenders, as you can see from my post history. I even volunteered to attend it, at one point. But if the program representatives weren't being honest with you guys, and no one caught what looked to be a shift in the program, that's nearly fraud, and you all would have spent 50k and taken a year out of your lives based on a false assumption. I'm not sure that you're aware of the magnitude of seriousness this type of error I caught has.
 
MDforMee said:
Like I said, I don't have anything against the USC MGM program, but in this case:

1. They had a different website last year
2. The new website (that I'd never seen until this year) excludes premeds in its purpose
3. The same new website eliminated the science options

I felt obligated to tell the forum about these changes. If the purpose of the program had changed, and if they eliminated science options, while at the same time, I'd found a potentially better program at USC, well, I'll just leave it at that.

I was also one of the program's biggest defenders, as you can see from my post history. I even volunteered to attend it, at one point. But if the program representatives weren't being honest with you guys, and no one caught what looked to be a shift in the program, that's nearly fraud, and you all would have spent 50k and taken a year out of your lives based on a false assumption. I'm not sure that you're aware of the magnitude of seriousness this type of error I caught has.
Click to expand...

Both Evenif and I called the office to confirm, this is the official website and it does have the science classes http://keckmed.usc.edu/msgm/curriculum.html
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I understand. And I respect that you are trying to look out for others. I wasn't trying to be harsh in my post, but I also don't want members to get the wrong idea of this program or think that the admin is being shady. Yes, the program is relatively new and has some things to iron out, but in no way has it changed from helping premeds to helping only pre-allied health professionals. About 90% of the class is pre-med, 9% pre-dent, and remaining 1% wants to go into public or international health.

While the main vision may not specifically point out pre-meds on the website, almost every resource is targeted towards pre-meds. Students still take the medical courses (Core principles, now called foundations of medical sciences) with med students during the first semester. Every single class (with the exception of one elective) is taught by a USC-affiliated physician and/or medical school faculty member. Like I said earlier, these professors host application workshops, help with interview preparation, and are more than willing to help you network and get some extra experience (whether it be shadowing them or volunteering with their research).
Additionally, you can still definitely take the extra science courses. Are you sure you're looking at the correct site?
http://keckmed.usc.edu/msgm/curriculum.html#Clinical_Track

This site (the newer one) lists the requirements and electives for clinical track students. MEDS 530A, B, and C (Foundations of Medicine) are all heavy science courses and can be taken during both semesters (not sure if its offered during summer, though).

There really is no fraud or anything fishy going on here. If you talk to Jenn or anyone in the office, they will tell you that yes, a large portion of this program is focused on public and global health. While you do have the options to take Core and the other 3 science-heavy classes, you should definitely be keen to learning about the public-side of medicine and be open to learning about international disparities.

Honestly, when I first joined the program, all I was focused on was the science courses. However, I am SO grateful that I have been able to take these classes, as they give you a complete view of the entire world and how health systems work. The electives are really interesting, and you gain a lot of knowledge that not many other pre-meds have. My fellow students say that these courses have proved for very interesting, conversational interviews.

So I'm not really sure what you're alluding to when you emphasize how serious of an error this is. The website STILL lists all science options, and definitely aims to make you more competitive for medical school.
 
Last edited:
erin25 said:
Yes you're absolutely right. I'm not sure where he is getting his information from.
Also, some of the "Global Health Module" courses count for science GPA.
Click to expand...

Since you're here Erin, can you answer a few questions? Which classes did you take? How are you enjoying them? How long did it take you to hear back? =D And how are you managing your budget and housing?
 
erin25 said:
Yes you're absolutely right. I'm not sure where he is getting his information from.
Also, some of the "Global Health Module" courses count for science GPA.
Click to expand...

Website
http://keck.usc.edu/Education/Degre...of_Science_in_Global_Medicine/Curriculum.aspx

Program Description on Website
"The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental, and pharmacy students, current physicians and allied health professionals, and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine."

Allied Health Professions Definition
"Allied health professions are health care professions distinct from dentistry, optometry, nursing, medicine, and pharmacy."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_health_professions

Electives
Elective Courses (at least 12 units)
Malaria (2 units)
Tuberculosis(2 units)
Maternal and Child Health I (2 units)
Maternal and Child Health II (2 units)
HIV/AIDS (2 units)
Tropical Diseases (2 units)
Cultural Competence in Health and Medicine (2 units)
Health and Human Rights (2 units)
Health Status of Indigenous Peoples of America (2 units)
Immunity in an Infectious World (2 units)
Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (2 units)
Human Hepatitis Viruses (2 units)
Global Toxicity and Carcinogenesis (2 units)
Grantwriting for Non-Government Organizations (2 units)
GM-526 Alternative and Eastern Medicine: A Biomedical Approach (2 units)
GM-550 Clinical Medicine and Healthcare Reform in Taiwan (2 units)
GM-551 Clinical Medicine and Socioeconomic Factors in Uganda (2 units)

I'm out of here.
 
:smack:

MDforMee said:
Website
http://keck.usc.edu/Education/Degre...of_Science_in_Global_Medicine/Curriculum.aspx

Program Description on Website
"The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental, and pharmacy students, current physicians and allied health professionals, and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine."

Allied Health Professions Definition
"Allied health professions are health care professions distinct from dentistry, optometry, nursing, medicine, and pharmacy."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_health_professions

Electives
Elective Courses (at least 12 units)
Malaria (2 units)
Tuberculosis(2 units)
Maternal and Child Health I (2 units)
Maternal and Child Health II (2 units)
HIV/AIDS (2 units)
Tropical Diseases (2 units)
Cultural Competence in Health and Medicine (2 units)
Health and Human Rights (2 units)
Health Status of Indigenous Peoples of America (2 units)
Immunity in an Infectious World (2 units)
Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (2 units)
Human Hepatitis Viruses (2 units)
Global Toxicity and Carcinogenesis (2 units)
Grantwriting for Non-Government Organizations (2 units)
GM-526 Alternative and Eastern Medicine: A Biomedical Approach (2 units)
GM-550 Clinical Medicine and Healthcare Reform in Taiwan (2 units)
GM-551 Clinical Medicine and Socioeconomic Factors in Uganda (2 units)

I'm out of here.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Y'all-

I'm currently in the program too and can answer some questions. MdMee is right and wrong about a couple things. Erin25 more or less has it right.

I have not heard of many people getting into the Keck medical school, but it's just possible I don't know these people. Most of the people I know that got interviews are waitlisted. I was rejected real early and I'm doing really really well in the program, so who knows how it works.

A lot of the electives that are on the website they don't actually offer. One of the issues I had last semester was that there weren't enough class options, and they tried to fix that by adding a few classes.

Don't do this program if you're expecting it to be the ONE thing that gets you into medical school. Thats not how it works. It will definitely help, especially if you leave it with a good GPA. I would almost recommend waiting to apply until after you finish the program, because when I wanted to update schools with my transcript from first semester no one seemed to care.

People that do this program are mostly applying to medical school, then dental school. I don't know of any that are doing it to just be in the allied health field, but again its totally possible that I just don't know them.

The professors are physicians, and are very helpful, but are also very very busy. Like most doctors are. The office is also as helpful as possible, but I think this year they weren't prepared for the large magnitude of students and were at times overwhelmed. Be patient.

Ultimately, this program is what you make of it. Get in contact with a lab before you come here. Email doctors so you can start shadowing them. Don't just do this program, it's not usually enough.

If you're in clinical track, be prepared to work like crazy in the medical school class (core). It's not like undergrad, you can't get by studying the night before. You want to show medical schools you can handle it there, do well in this class. It's also 8 credits so it counts a ton for your GPA. The other classes are less demanding and you'll have more time in the spring semester.

Yes I get frustrated with the program but ultimately I am happy I did it. I know that this will be a great degree to have (how many people do you know have a Global Medicine Degree) and I see myself doing abroad work, something I probably wouldn't have arrived at if I went straight to medical school.

Message me if you want more info.
 
Just to chime in as this is the only program that I am applying to. I'm a CA resident that is graduating from a top-15 undergraduate institution. This program is very unique and tailored toward specific applicants. You don't want to do this program if you have no interest in "global medicine" as that is what you'll be getting your degree in. The program offers plenty of support for their students but at the end of the day it is up to the individual to make the most of their time at USC. Research, hospital experience, shadowing, etc are all available to you but up to the individual to make the effort and get the best out of the program.
 
Has anyone heard back about admissions decisions?
 
Jennifer said in a few weeks people will know. If you applied long before the deadline you'll know before then, so probably by the end of the month or maybe even sooner and we'll start hearing back. They also said they'd be taking as many qualified students as possible when I asked for class size. So...no idea what that means!
 
Mika252 said:
Jennifer said in a few weeks people will know. If you applied long before the deadline you'll know before then, so probably by the end of the month or maybe even sooner and we'll start hearing back. They also said they'd be taking as many qualified students as possible when I asked for class size. So...no idea what that means!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the info! 🙂
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad



Hey all! I just called Jennifer with some news. The applications are in review right now, and she anticipates a lot of movement by next week. Decisions will be mailed via snail mail, but she's not sure how long it takes to get the news out from the time it's reviewed to the time the decisions get to us. She's going to try to talk to the director of the program and asked if we can be called ahead of time just so we know. In other words, in the next few weeks, hang tight, luck to us all!
 
MDforMee said:
Website
http://keck.usc.edu/Education/Degre...of_Science_in_Global_Medicine/Curriculum.aspx

Program Description on Website
"The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental, and pharmacy students, current physicians and allied health professionals, and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine."

Allied Health Professions Definition
"Allied health professions are health care professions distinct from dentistry, optometry, nursing, medicine, and pharmacy."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_health_professions

Electives
Elective Courses (at least 12 units)
Malaria (2 units)
Tuberculosis(2 units)
Maternal and Child Health I (2 units)
Maternal and Child Health II (2 units)
HIV/AIDS (2 units)
Tropical Diseases (2 units)
Cultural Competence in Health and Medicine (2 units)
Health and Human Rights (2 units)
Health Status of Indigenous Peoples of America (2 units)
Immunity in an Infectious World (2 units)
Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (2 units)
Human Hepatitis Viruses (2 units)
Global Toxicity and Carcinogenesis (2 units)
Grantwriting for Non-Government Organizations (2 units)
GM-526 Alternative and Eastern Medicine: A Biomedical Approach (2 units)
GM-550 Clinical Medicine and Healthcare Reform in Taiwan (2 units)
GM-551 Clinical Medicine and Socioeconomic Factors in Uganda (2 units)

I'm out of here.
Click to expand...


Again, that's the OLD website.

Mika252 said:
Since you're here Erin, can you answer a few questions? Which classes did you take? How are you enjoying them? How long did it take you to hear back? =D And how are you managing your budget and housing?
Click to expand...

Mika252, I took a bunch of classes. They all had their ups and downs like any other classes. CORE, as ilovepeaches mentioned, is very intense and is on par w/med school classes. The other electives are unique and interesting. While a couple of the basic required courses can seem to drag on, in retrospect they gave me an incredible base of knowledge of all things health. Of course, some professors are more captivating than others, but yes it is all what you make of it and how much effort you put in. If you take the time to connect with the professors, it will surely benefit you.
Well, I'm surviving on grants and student loans. I applied in February, but didn't have my MCAT score in until mid-June. I think I got my acceptance letter in early July 🙂

Everything that ilovepeaches said is right. Ultimately, you have to make the most out of every opportunity you're given and participate in the available extracurriculars etc.

Good luck everyone! Just work hard and you'll be golden.
 
Last edited:
Wait...there are grants available for this? o.o
 
erin25 said:
Again, that's the OLD website.



Mika252, I took a bunch of classes. They all had their ups and downs like any other classes. CORE, as ilovepeaches mentioned, is very intense and is on par w/med school classes. The other electives are unique and interesting. While a couple of the basic required courses can seem to drag on, in retrospect they gave me an incredible base of knowledge of all things health. Of course, some professors are more captivating than others, but yes it is all what you make of it and how much effort you put in. If you take the time to connect with the professors, it will surely benefit you.
Well, I'm surviving on grants and student loans. I applied in February, but didn't have my MCAT score in until mid-June. I think I got my acceptance letter in early July 🙂

Everything that ilovepeaches said is right. Ultimately, you have to make the most out of every opportunity you're given and participate in the available extracurriculars etc.

Good luck everyone! Just work hard and you'll be golden.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, Erin25.
Will you be applying to medical school this cycle?
Did a lot of your classmates apply to medical school?
Did any of them apply before beginning the program?
 
Hello everyone!

I have been following this thread closely for the past few weeks; getting all nervous about when people will find out about acceptance into the program. For people asking about hearing back, I got an acceptance letter in the mail two days ago and sent in my statement of intent yesterday! Soo hello to future classmates. 😛
 
absurdity said:
Hello everyone!

I have been following this thread closely for the past few weeks; getting all nervous about when people will find out about acceptance into the program. For people asking about hearing back, I got an acceptance letter in the mail two days ago and sent in my statement of intent yesterday! Soo hello to future classmates. 😛
Click to expand...

OMG!! congratulations!! When did you apply?!
 
Thanks! I applied at the end of last year. I was going to apply for spring semester but decided waiting until fall would be better. It's been torture all of these months! Hope you all hear back soon 🙂
 
Can you tell us the orientation/first day of classes dates for the program?
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Rosalind Franklin University Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Program
Replies
2
Views
434
thomasfrank
T
S
Rosalind Franklin University Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) Program
Replies
2
Views
4K
cakebyocean
C
M
Charles R. Drew University (CDU) Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) 2024 Thread
Replies
12
Views
4K
lafuturadoctora
L
sorayah
RVU-MCOM Masters of medical science
Replies
1
Views
1K
mh_hope
M
futurebraindoc123
masters of arts in biomedical sciences thoughts?
Replies
2
Views
2K
chilly_md
chilly_md
Top Bottom