MD & DO Any match benefit to a dual degree that IS NOT PhD?

[Isoval]

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Hi all,

I have been considering applying to the MPH dual-degree program at the school where I have been accepted, and I’ve been curious as to if it will positively impact (or not impact) match day prospects.

I have a genuine interest in the MPH program, but it seems my school would like to have me do the degree online and still complete my medical degree in four years. I see this taking away time that could be used doing research (i.e summers) or other student interest groups, and I’m curious as to what my best course of action should be.

 

[libertyyne]

If you look at the Match data it seems like additional graduate degrees outside of phd actually decrease the chances of getting a competitive specialty. Some of this may be due to the fact that weak pre-meds end up getting graduate degrees before getting admitted to medical school and go on to perform not as well as their more competitive peers. I wouldn't get the degree if the sole purpose is to improve your match chances, for that a research year is a better bang for your buck. If you are interesting in Public health you can get the degree but there are primary care residency programs that offer it for free so you would be paying for something that you could have gotten for cheaper later on.

 

[Isoval]

If you look at the Match data it seems like additional graduate degrees outside of phd actually decrease the chances of getting a competitive specialty. Some of this may be due to the fact that weak pre-meds end up getting graduate degrees before getting admitted to medical school and go on to perform not as well as their more competitive peers. I wouldn't get the degree if the sole purpose is to improve your match chances, for that a research year is a better bang for your buck. If you are interesting in Public health you can get the degree but there are primary care residency programs that offer it for free so you would be paying for something that you could have gotten for cheaper later on.

There are residency programs that offer the degree? I didn’t know about that! Do you have any examples of this?

Thank you for your response!

 

[libertyyne]

Combined Family Medicine-Preventive Medicine Residency{}
Combined Family Medicine/Preventive Medicine Program
just google it. There are a good number of preventative medicine programs that offer it.

 

[justkeepswimming]

Hi all,

I have been considering applying to the MPH dual-degree program at the school where I have been accepted, and I’ve been curious as to if it will positively impact (or not impact) match day prospects.

I have a genuine interest in the MPH program, but it seems my school would like to have me do the degree online and still complete my medical degree in four years. I see this taking away time that could be used doing research (i.e summers) or other student interest groups, and I’m curious as to what my best course of action should be.

It depends what specialty you plan to go into. If you are hoping surgical subspecialty, then research is probably most important for your match chances. Anything else, though, and it may be worth doing the dual degree to help set yourself apart from the crowd. Of course, it's only helpful if it doesn't take away from your success in the rest of your classes.

FWIW, I did a dual-degree MBA program at my school and residency programs loved it. It came up at every single interview and I think it's what helped me catch the eye of some more competitive places. Think of it this way: when a residency program director is sorting through a stack of 700 applications, what makes yours stand out?

 

[jrlob91]

I am getting an MPH dual degree, and it was brought up on every one of my ACGME interviews.

 

[libertyyne]