2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

[PinkNoise]

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Don't worry about not having your forms. I interviewed after the big snow storm and the security office did not send out the Security Packets until the night before my interview. As a result, most of the interviewees did not come with the forms.

As for being proactive. I've been sitting back and just waiting for Admissions to contact me... What does everyone else think? Be more proactive? Or be patient and wait?

 

[DeltaT]

Does anyone know what happened with the Navy waitlist last year? I'm currently sitting on it and am wondering what my chances are of getting an acceptance based off of what happened in the past years. I'm non-prior, but I am medically cleared. I received my waitlist letter on 1/27. I know that some alternate listers got in last year, but was that just Army?

 

[silverhorse84]

So what do you guys think? Should I just wait a couple more weeks until after ten weeks have passed since I interviewed in order to see if they send me a letter in the meantime, or should I be a little more pro-active somehow? Like I said I don't want to be perceived as difficult, but I also don't want my app to be gathering dust in an incomplete bin because some security form is misplaced.

I know it's hard to hear, but I would just sit tight. The admissions committee is dependent on your interviewers getting their paperwork back to them and talking to the committee about you. If your interviewers took a little longer than other people on that day, then they'll review you later, and you'll get a decision later. I know that doesn't sound like good news, but it's really neither good or bad, its just time.


As for the Navy waitlist. I don't know a lot, but from what I've gathered from our class, the Navy did not go all the way through their waitlist. Army and maybe AF went through their waitlist and into their alternate list, but not Navy. I do know, however, that you can be invited to attend all the way up to August. We reported to the school on Aug 5, and one of my Navy classmates (non-prior) got his acceptance call the Friday before that.

 

[jennyp]

I also called them to ask about my status yesterday morning. As soon as I told them the day I interviewed (before I could really ask about the security clearance part) they stopped me and said it was a ten week minimum response time. I got the impression that they were busy, and I really don't want to be perceived as a difficult applicant.

So what do you guys think? Should I just wait a couple more weeks until after ten weeks have passed since I interviewed in order to see if they send me a letter in the meantime, or should I be a little more pro-active somehow? Like I said I don't want to be perceived as difficult, but I also don't want my app to be gathering dust in an incomplete bin because some security form is misplaced.

I was actually surprised to have heard from them so soon. I wasn't going to panic until the 10th week hit. So don't worry, it looks like some people who interviewed in December are barely getting their waitlist letters now.

Maybe you should call them separately about your security paperwork and not ask about admissions.

 

[WoWdoc]

Okay, thanks for the advice guys. I guess I'll just wait a couple more weeks. After all it's not that long, and they're still doing interviews anyway. Thanks for the input.

 

[caniac]

Hey y'all -- I was accepted to HPSP, and I think I'll be taking it over my AF slot at USUHS. So the waitlist will move at least one 🙂.

Best of luck to everyone!

 

[WoWdoc]

Hey y'all -- I was accepted to HPSP, and I think I'll be taking it over my AF slot at USUHS. So the waitlist will move at least one 🙂.

Best of luck to everyone!

Congratulations! I hope there are many more like you as well. Your gain is our gain!👍👍

 

[I Doctor]

Does anybody know if they are planning to drive to school? Is that the norm? or do people walk/shuttle?

Also, did anybody figure out housing and stuff? Anybody know of decent 1 bedroom apts near the metro?

 

[0919mmk]

We reported to the school on Aug 5, and one of my Navy classmates (non-prior) got his acceptance call the Friday before that.

How did this work? Dont you have to attend the COT or whatever in June to matriculate in August? So what happens if you miss the June OBC (as presumably did that classmate of yours), for example if your medical waiver takes longer than expected? Can you start at the school without that basic training? I would imagine not...

 

[I Doctor]

How did this work? Dont you have to attend the COT or whatever in June to matriculate in August? So what happens if you miss the June OBC (as presumably did that classmate of yours), for example if your medical waiver takes longer than expected? Can you start at the school without that basic training? I would imagine not...

I am actually wondering this too? What happens if you can't attend OBLC training? Is there a way to postpone it? Anybody know?

 

[0919mmk]

More info from the admissions office, via email:
"... it appears that we may not have funding for an extensive 2nd look weekend. We may have something on 10 April but more of an "Open House" so there would be folks who had not applied but are just looking around at schools. We are also having all of the West Point cadets that day who have an interest in medicine but have not applied yet (1st, 2nd and 3rd yr students)."

no second look = 🙁

 

[dru2002]

I am actually wondering this too? What happens if you can't attend OBLC training? Is there a way to postpone it? Anybody know?

I can only speak to an n=1. But a doctor I worked with never went to ODS. He got the call they had a spot for him the day before classes started for USUHS, went their four years and then through residency and it never came up.

I would imagine you would be expected to attend ODS or your branch equivalent at some point.

 

[dwb8p]

I can speak for army only.

You cannot electively postpone OBLC. You should receive orders and commissioning paperwork by late May. OBLC Starts mid June. If you don't get accepted until June 1st, for example, that is probably not enough time to cut you orders for OBLC. Instead of OBLC, they will make you report to USUHS about a week earlier than everyone else in August/July so that you can get uniforms, learn how to salute, etc. There were three people in that boat last year, one of whom did ROTC. They still don't know when they will be making up OBLC if at all. They have been told probably between medical school and internship, which would suck in my opinion. Regardless, the current army policy is that they must go to OBLC before deploying and I think before pinning O4.

 

[silverhorse84]

Does anybody know if they are planning to drive to school? Is that the norm? or do people walk/shuttle?

Also, did anybody figure out housing and stuff? Anybody know of decent 1 bedroom apts near the metro?

Most people seem to drive. Some carpool. There may be some that take the metro or walk, but I can't think of any right now.

The problem for the Navy is that they do not allow you to be in public in our BDUs (camo). So, you'd have to wear khaki's if you wanted to take public transportation. I don't like khaki's and much prefer BDUs, so I drive. That and it's a bit of a walk to school from the metro stop, which is fine when the weather is good, but not fun when raining/snowing.

How did this work? Dont you have to attend the COT or whatever in June to matriculate in August? So what happens if you miss the June OBC (as presumably did that classmate of yours), for example if your medical waiver takes longer than expected? Can you start at the school without that basic training? I would imagine not...

No, he did not go to ODS (Navy). He'll "make it up" later on and do a shorter training. There were actually about half a dozen Navy non-priors who were accepted later or didn't get the paperwork together in time for ODS. They had a abridged version at school led by our senior NCO that was about a week long. The guy that I used as an example in an earlier post was accepted even beyond that point, so he hasn't had any training and as I said will do it later.

I do know a doc that did HPSP, never got ODS scheduled into his schedule, and did all 4 years of payback without ever attending. To be honest, we don't learn a whole heck of a lot; the things you need to know you can learn by being thrown in and figuring it out as you go along.

 

[elmariachi]

Most people seem to drive. Some carpool. There may be some that take the metro or walk, but I can't think of any right now.

The problem for the Navy is that they do not allow you to be in public in our BDUs (camo). So, you'd have to wear khaki's if you wanted to take public transportation. I don't like khaki's and much prefer BDUs, so I drive. That and it's a bit of a walk to school from the metro stop, which is fine when the weather is good, but not fun when raining/snowing.

Have you heard anything about the NWUs being authorized?

 

[mslall]

Have you heard anything about the NWUs being authorized?

street fighter

 

[silverhorse84]

Have you heard anything about the NWUs being authorized?

They talk about it every once in a while, but I highly doubt it'll happen soon. They've also talked about us switching to the version the marine corps wears. Personally, I like the one's we're in, but I'd be fine with the marine ones. I hate the NWUs - I'd feel like a giant multi-color blueberry!

 

[WoWdoc]

Hey guys. So I had to fill out some extra paperwork and get it sent into DODMERB concerning my blood pressure. Now according to the DODMERB website it says a couple of different things:

It says a disqualification letter was sent out on March 4th
It also says my Admission status is: In Process
My current medical status is: Pending waiver submission review (as of March 4th)

So, can anyone who's been through this process tell me how bad all this is? I don't really have high BP, just prehypertensive. I usually come in around 135/80 unmedicated. I take 10mg of Lisinopril once daily though, and that seems to control my bp somewhat. Other than the blood pressure thing I'm in great shape. I run alot and have very low body fat %.

In your opinions am I still in good shape, or should I be worried?

 

[Nylesor]

Welcome again to USUHS! Just wanted to post some updated information about the condo we're renting out. It is a 10 minute drive from school and 1 mile away from Twinbrook metro which is just 3 stops from USUHS on the red line.

- 2 Bedrooms, 1 Den (bedroom size, no closet), 1 Bath
- 1145 square foot garden condo close to NIH, NNMC, USUHS, Walter Reed, Walter Reed Annex, and a short commute to D.C/Pentagon. Also within 30-45 min commute to several other military bases including Andrews AFB, Ft Belvoir, Ft Meade, Bolling AFB where you may have some 3rd year rotations
- 1 mile from Twinbrook Metro Station (bus stop immediately in front of complex)
- All utilities included in price
- On first floor with private patio and easy access to common court yard for pet owners
- Pet friendly, 1 month deposit required, fully refundable
- Washer and dryer 5 feet from front door
- Newly renovated kitchen, Walls will be freshly painted
- Newly installed track lighting in living room
- Wall to wall carpeting with wood floors throughout the dining area and hallway
- Comcast cable and Verizon FIOS available
- Three parking spaces included
- ADT alarm equipment pre-installed
- Year-round use of tennis courts and playgrounds with a swimming pool in summer
- Close to Rockville pike/shopping centers/mall. Both Safeway and Giant within walking distance
- School bus stop in front of complex w/ nationally ranked county school system
- Numerous parks and biking trails close-by
- Price breaks for longer term (3-4yr) leases
- Military owned, military clause honored
- Price negotiable.
- AVAILABLE: MAY 2010 or possibly earlier upon request
- More information about complex at http://www.bethesdapark.net

Pictures posted here:
http://www.realrentals.com/my-listings/?id=144597

Feel free to contact with questions.

 

[ahowardmd]

Hey guys, does anybody know what and when the activities for parents are at new student orientation? My parents need to know so they can ask off for work.

 

[silverhorse84]

Hey guys, does anybody know what and when the activities for parents are at new student orientation? My parents need to know so they can ask off for work.

The new student orientation as in the week before classes start in August? I don't think there is anything designed for parents. At least I don't remember anything from this past August designed for parents. Spouses, yes, but parents, no.

Second-look last year in April had plans for family members, but from an earlier post it doesn't sound like there is going to be a second-look this year (I'm sorry for you all; second look was where I decided USUHS over other schools; it was a fun time).

 

[mslall]

Hey guys, does anybody know what and when the activities for parents are at new student orientation? My parents need to know so they can ask off for work.

lets be a big boy/girl now. I hate to sound condescending but you're about to start on the road to becoming a physician, let alone accepting a commission in the United States Army. If your parents want to help you move in, fine, but there weren't any daddy-daughter or mommy-son activities planned last year......unless you want to bring them to a briefing where JAG tells you not to drink and drive or sleep w/ married women/men.

 

[caniac]

so kind of off-topic, but for those of you in the Bethesda area:

$15 for $30 Worth of Food and Drink at Mia's Pizzas
http://deals.livingsocial.com/deals/975?ref=personalized-link-box-81725&rpi=81725

yum.

 

[navysteve2011]

Hey guys,

I'm a third year at USUHS, currently on my Internal Medicine rotation in San Antonio. I graduated from the Naval Academy and went straight into USUHS. I hope I'm not distracting terribly from the direction the thread is going, but I saw a couple people post about housing, so I thought I might help out... I own a house about 10 minutes from school (surprise!) that I bought my first year. I've lived in it, and rented to my classmates and to guys in other classes at USUHS, and it's aways been a great deal. Now I'm married and soon to be living down in DC with my wife, so I need to find USUHS guys and girls to rent to.

The house in a quaint, safe residential neighborhood that's about a 10 minute drive from USUHS, 15 with traffic. It's right off Beach Dr and Rock Creek Park (a running/biking trail that goes all the way to DC, and is the peaceful park you drive along to get to school and skip the morning traffic). It's also close to a Safeway grocery, Target, Macy's and all the restaurants and bars in downtown Bethesday are just a little farther down the road from school.

The house itself is a two level house that has the same basic set-up on each level: a separate, ground level entrance, a porch with patio furniture, a full kitchen (fridge, microwave, dishwasher, range and oven included), a big common area, a bathroom and two bedrooms (4 total bedrooms). Each bedroom is about 11x11, big windows for natural light and has a closet. for scale, I've lived comfortably with a queen sized bed, a HUGE wrap around desk, bookshelves and a dresser.

The house has a full yard, a shed and plenty of drive-way and next to the house parking (there are 5 parking spaces). There is a high efficiency washer and dryer in the house.

As I mentioned, I try to rent out to USUHS people as much as possible because I think it's a good deal and you guys are awesome. The rooms are available singly, or if you have three of your friends you want to rent with, that's great, too (you'll end up being friends no matter what...) I recently dropped the rent to $659-695, depending on the room you pick.

If you want pictures or more info, or you just have questions about USUHS or the Navy, just message me back.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and good luck!

Steve

 

[WNDstef]

Hey everyone, Congrats on your acceptance to USUHS! If you are looking for a place to live while going to USUHS, I am renting out my condo that is conveniently located close to school (<5miles) and near a metro stop (<1mile).

$1800 ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED IN RENT​

Bedroom s 2, Bathrooms 1 full​

Garden style complex
​

Sq Footage 1,007
Parking Unlimited, designated guess parking
PETS WELCOME
Deposit $1,800

​

________________________________________
Amenities :
- extra storage space on private balcony
-large walk in closet in hallway for additional storage
- lots of community activities
- pool and tennis court
-gas stove, recently bought refrigerator, dishwasher

Benefits :
- close to NIH, Naval Medical Center, downtown Bethesda, Beltway, or Rockville Pike/355 corridor
- Quick access to Rock Creek Park for carefree biking, running, or strolling.
- Ride-on bus stop a block from front door, takes you to Metro stop or other bus routes
-10 min walk to twinbrook metro

​

-Visit Bethesdapark.net for more details on the condo complex
​

or​

-click on link below to see slideshow our place:
http://s54.photobucket.com/albums/g98/delegino/home sweet home/?albumview=slideshow

​

Address: Bethesda Park, Rockville​

Cross-streets: Randolph Rd and Parklawn Dr.​

 

[ahowardmd]

Meep Meep

 

[WoWdoc]

Alrighty funny guy, fixed it for you.

 

[mslall]

Thanks for the tip.



Alrighty funny guy, fixed it for you. The reason I asked about activities for parents is because nearly all other medical schools start the year with a white coat ceremony. These kinds of activities (graduation, white coat ceremony, etc) aren't for our benefit, it's for the people who have spent a chunk of their lives raising us. You may not care that much, but mommies and daddies like to see that kind of non-sense. Since USUHS doesn't hold their white coat deal til the start of second year, I figured they might hold something else for parents.

I'm well aware that it was condescending. It was meant to be. If you think that the white coat ceremony and the swearing of the Hippocratic Oath aren't for you I suggest your read the Oath and all that it entails. So yes mommy and daddy do like to see that, but realize this isn't mommy and daddy's trip down medical school lane. It's Mr. A. Howard's turn to actually earn that MD.😉

Now that being said there is a small ceremony where they'll parade you all in front of the MS II's, the brigade staff, and a guest speaker who is usually a Flag Officer into the amphitheater to stand at parade rest until the Dean of the School of Medicine comes and administers the Hippocratic Oath. Last year it was very sunny and very hot so that the combined sweat from everyone could have filled a pool. Now this was on the last day of a week of orientation and was the day before classes started (i believe). So if your parents are hanging around still there is that. I have no idea where they are on planning all of that, but I can run by the Commandant's office and ask if they can plan that for in the morning or if you guys have a schedule yet. I think OBC/COT/ODS, or even worse, the medical waiver process, is probably where most of your concerns are now.

 

[Erald Coil]

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRB....!!!


sorry - had to vent.

 

[0919mmk]

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRB....!!!


sorry - had to vent.

hehe, "its not lupus"...... but it always is!

yes, I strongly echo the dodmerb-is-the-bane-of-my-existence sentiment. I finished my last remedial test on Monday, and now I have to get my physician to send it all to dodmerb. Fingers crossed!

 

[teacherman84]

For those of you thay have dealt or are dealing with waivers. Does every "yes" from the dodmets questionairre need a waiver? I have things that went withot a waiver for meps, is that a good indicator of what ill need to get done for ddmerb?

 

[silverhorse84]

For those of you thay have dealt or are dealing with waivers. Does every "yes" from the dodmets questionairre need a waiver? I have things that went withot a waiver for meps, is that a good indicator of what ill need to get done for ddmerb?

I had answered yes to several and only needed a waiver for one (childhood asthma). I had to get x-rays because of a curvature in my back, but after they did the measurements I guess it was okay cuz they cleared me without a waiver.
I also had yes for broken bones that they left alone, a yes for tattoo, and a couple of others that they never bothered with.

Getting the waiver for dodmerb/usuhs was actually easier than getting the waiver for meps. But I don't know if that's the norm, just how it was for me.

 

[grotto]

Here's a question: any priors with families (more income) thought about buying a place? Could anyone put me in touch with a current student who has bought? (mslall, drmetal, etc.) My wife and I are struggling a bit to figure out a situation, and it seems like with the current rental costs in the area, buying is a reasonable proposition. We are looking at houses and are pretty familiar with the area.

 

[mslall]

here's a question: Any priors with families (more income) thought about buying a place? Could anyone put me in touch with a current student who has bought? (mslall, drmetal, etc.) my wife and i are struggling a bit to figure out a situation, and it seems like with the current rental costs in the area, buying is a reasonable proposition. We are looking at houses and are pretty familiar with the area.

pm

 

[stevesavi]

Army, interviewed dec 3, waitlist feb 19, called today!

 

[dru2002]

Army, interviewed dec 3, waitlist feb 19, called today!

Congrats dude! Glad to here the waitlist is moving.

 

[ahowardmd]

Army, interviewed dec 3, waitlist feb 19, called today!

Congrats!

 

[ahowardmd]

It's Mr. A. Howard's turn to actually earn that MD.😉

...but I can run by the Commandant's office and ask if they can plan that for in the morning or if you guys have a schedule yet.

Thanks for the info! No need to run by the Commandant's office, I get the general idea.

And yeah, I don't have much of a choice but to earn my MD, otherwise I'd have to change my email address .

 

[muttyguy]

Hey MDs,

Just accepted to the USU DrPH program, interviewed last Monday. We don't have nifty forums like you to obsess over so thought I'd stop by and update the world in case they were wondering.

 

[mike1618]

Has anybody had any issues with the weight standards? Apparently, I don't meet the standards. I was told to go to the local recruitment center, but when I went they had no clue how to fill out the body composition form.

Pain in the ass...

 

[0919mmk]

Hey MDs,

Just accepted to the USU DrPH program, interviewed last Monday. We don't have nifty forums like you to obsess over so thought I'd stop by and update the world in case they were wondering.

Thats cool. So it's basically a PhD, or did you mean MD/PhD? Actually I was wondering what kind of PhD programs there were incase I wanted to upgrade to MD/PhD. What are you studying?

 

[dru2002]

Thats cool. So it's basically a PhD, or did you mean MD/PhD? Actually I was wondering what kind of PhD programs there were incase I wanted to upgrade to MD/PhD. What are you studying?

It's a doctor of public health--the step above an MPH. As such it is a professional degree, so a little different than a PhD.

From USUHS's website:

"The Doctorate in Public Health program prepares individuals for leadership roles in research, teaching, or policy development, with a particular emphasis on public health issues of global or military significance."

I am interested in public health policy so I explored the MPH route a little bit.But, I'm sure he can give you more of a run down as he has probably worked in the field for a while.

 

[pombeMD]

Has anybody had any issues with the weight standards? Apparently, I don't meet the standards. I was told to go to the local recruitment center, but when I went they had no clue how to fill out the body composition form.

Pain in the ass...

Pretty much, when I went to a recruitment center for the body composition analysis, I had to guide them through filling out the form step by step. They should know how to do the rope and choke and use the chart to find you body fat percentage, but it seemed like they were uncomfortable filling out a form they had never seen before. The recruiters seemed nice guys, but they were not too bright.

 

[Erald Coil]

Thats cool. So it's basically a PhD, or did you mean MD/PhD? Actually I was wondering what kind of PhD programs there were incase I wanted to upgrade to MD/PhD. What are you studying?

Both the Cell & Molecular and the Emerging Infectious Diseases graduate programs seem excellent. But...

1) the Graduate Education Office is separate from the School of Medicine, and is primarily civilian, not DoD, so getting them together for a combined program is not as smooth as one might think. For example, you would not be commissioned for the PhD part of your MD/PhD.

2) I cannot find a clear career path for an MD/PhD in the military and have met very few working examples. It seems that a new MD/PhD in the military might struggle to fulfill MD responsibilities while pursuing PhD interests, funding, support, etc...

I applied & interviewed for MD/PhD (Cell & Molecular Biology dept.) at USUHS in November. I'd really love to do it, but for the combined program I'd have to spend 3 years working my butt off for that PhD without a commission, living in Bethesda on a $25K stipend, and watching all of you cruise through medical school making O-1 pay. I know that compared to any civilian program this MD/PhD path would still be a gold-plated program, but I have family/financial responsibilities and an expensive move to Bethesda that $25K/year simply would not cover.

I've been exploring ways to make it work, but so far, nothing.
Unless something extraordinary happens, I'll be going to USUHS for MD only, not MD/PhD.

 

[ikabot]

Congrats DrPH candidate! My roommate just got into a DrPH program as well in the east coast. I can't remember the school.

I've looked into MD/PhD programs, and as far as I know, with all the summer programs at USUHS, I can't see how USUHS could allow a dual degree program. It would be nice, but milmed seems to have more "activities" than other civilian schools that allow such opportunities. Usually, MD/PhD programs have 2yr MD - 3-6yr PhD (depending on interest) - 2yr MD (rotations). With a schedule like that, USUHS probably wouldn't allow it.

Looking forward to hearing the waitlist move some more!

 

[Erald Coil]

I've looked into MD/PhD programs, and as far as I know, with all the summer programs at USUHS, I can't see how USUHS could allow a dual degree program... USUHS probably wouldn't allow it.

They do allow it as a collaboration between the school of medicine and the graduate education office.

Straight from the FAQ:
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Students admitted to M.D./Ph.D. Program will receive a graduate stipend from the Graduate Program for the first three years. In most cases, the M.D./Ph.D. student will be commissioned in the United States military as an O-1, at the end of the third year in the program. Commissioning will mark the beginning of the student's military service."

"The curriculum combines and integrates the requirements for both the M.D. and the Ph.D degrees. The M.D./Ph.D. Program consists of three phases to be completed in seven to eight years. The first or Graduate Program phase will generally last three years. The M.D./Ph.D. student will complete this initial phase as a civilian, under the guidance of the Graduate Program director, thesis advisor, and M.D./Ph.D. Advisory Committee. The student will complete all required courses for the Ph.D. during the first and second years and many of the courses required for the first 2 years of the Medical School curriculum. The qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy will be taken at the end of the second year and a doctoral thesis proposal subsequently submitted to the thesis advisory committee. The third year will be a research year.

The transition phase begins after the third year and will last two years. The student will complete all requirements to be commissioned in the United States military and will attend Officer Basic Training. As a uniformed officer, the student will complete the remaining requirements of the first and second years of the Medical School curriculum. The student will also continue to spend significant time on thesis research, finalize the thesis project, and prepare and defend his/her doctoral dissertation.

The final phase of the M.D./Ph.D. Program is the clinical phase over the 6-7th years of the Program. The student will begin full participation in the Medical School curriculum and complete all required clinical rotations and clerkships. Subsequent to the completion of all requirements, the student will be awarded both the M.D. and the Ph.D. degrees and commissioned as an active duty officer (O-3) at commencement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::

So yes, it's real, but it's somewhat tricky. I'd be very interested to hear about ways to be commissioned continuously throughout the program. I'm not giving up on my quest for a 7-year, fully-commissioned, tour de USUHS (yet). That stipend they mention is only $25K/year and, as I said, wouldn't meet my needs. However, I have met a few USUHS MD/PhD students who are making it work for themselves, and having fun at it too, so it is certainly possible. 👍

edit: Congrats muttyguy!

 

[muttyguy]

Thats cool. So it's basically a PhD, or did you mean MD/PhD? Actually I was wondering what kind of PhD programs there were incase I wanted to upgrade to MD/PhD. What are you studying?

Simply put:

DrPH = practice-oriented with an interdisciplinary focus (usually on the core areas of public health: epi, biostats, social/behavior, environmental health and health services)

PhD = research-oriented with a specialized focus (you will usually come out as an "expert" in malaria, AIDS, obesity, etc depending on your dissertation work)

Generally, if you want to become an academic researcher you go for the PhD and if you want to direct health programs or interventions you go for the DrPH. In the real world, however, you will find many DrPHs who conduct research and PhDs leading health departments so there is a lot of overlap. They both require a dissertation, for example. DrPH programs are usually shorter (3-5 yrs) while PhDs can be 5-6 yrs.

Last week during our Open House there were MD/PhD applicants but I only got a chance to talk to others in my program (Preventive Medicine and Biometrics). There are other PhD specialties (like Emerging Infectious Disease, Medical Zoology) if you look at the graduate education website.

Hope that helps clear things up a bit.

 

[0919mmk]

Very cool. Lots of options. I think I'll probably wait and see how the work load is after I get there, and then maybe start another degree if I can fit it in - I do think it would be pretty cool to do a dual degree program...

 

[mslall]

So yes, it's real, but it's somewhat tricky. I'd be very interested to hear about ways to be commissioned continuously throughout the program. I'm not giving up on my quest for a 7-year, fully-commissioned, tour de USUHS (yet). That stipend they mention is only $25K/year and, as I said, wouldn't meet my needs. However, I have met a few USUHS MD/PhD students who are making it work for themselves, and having fun at it too, so it is certainly possible. 👍

edit: Congrats muttyguy!

It's not possible to do 7-years as a commissioned officer. I have a buddy who is doing MD/PhD who is a prior service O-3 who maintains reserve status and they still pay him as a civilian. He'll join us next year (MS-II year).

Also to whoever was posting about adding a second degree.......you can't just 'add' a another degree to do a dual degree program. You have to apply for it before matriculating. It's not like you can say, "wow, I really like public health and am not working too hard, let me go get my MPH on the side." Can't do it. The first chance you'll have to do something like that would be in residency....if you do something along the lines of prev med, aerospace med, or occupational med. Reason being you're on a set timeline to be promoted to O-3 when you graduate. Also, if you do the MD/PhD program (again which you have to apply for before matriculating) and you decide the PhD really isn't for you half way through the year (which happened to one of our classmates) you'll be forced to drop out, reapply, and repeat any coursework you've already taken. A good friend of mine came to this conclusion after completing our Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, and part of our Neuroanatomy courses and she'll be starting as an MS-I next year, repeating it all. Gov't reason behind this being she wouldn't have been commissioned 4yrs therefore couldn't be promoted to captain (O-3).....I realize it doesn't necessarily make sense, but that's how it works.

 

[Nylesor]

New Updated condo walk thru pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/chadroselynjan

...sorry for the spam!