Anyone taking a year off?

[Pegasus]

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I am a third year and have recently considered taking the one year MPH (masters of public heath) program at my school geared towards med students. I was just wondering what others think of this. At my school, it is highly recommended, and I think the degree will only enhance my options towards working for the community in the future.

I would not take Step II until after the MPH program. I would do July and August as rotations (to get the 4th year experience as well as refresh my skills and get LOR), then take Step II in Sept like most do anyway.

Is this a good idea? Im just worried that the year off will hurt me in Step II, but the 2 4th year rotations I am told are very helpful.

Thanks
Pegasus

 

[edfig99]

don't worry about step 2.
get the MPH if the school helps offset the costs for you, or at leasts gives you some financial aid and you can do it in that short a time. MPH programs are generally 18 to 24 months, so doing it in one will be intense, but should be fine -- you got through 1st and 2nd year 😉. Some people say you should wait until you got some experience under your belt to get the MPH so you have a sense of what the issues are... however, if it's a program geared towards med students and it's a solid program, you may as well take advantage of it.

step 2 and step 3 are a joke, so i wouldn't be too afraid of them -- they are not as nitpicky as step 1. they are about CLINICAL matters, not basic science minutiae. just get NMS Review for Step 2 and do the practice materials that come with the registration packet and you'll be fine when the time comes.

 

[smackdaddy]

mph is highly recomeneded for what purpose?
what is your career plan?

 

[secretwave101]

Although I can't tell for certain, it appears you are at UNC. If so, I'm sure you are aware that they have one of the top MPH programs in the country. If this is where you intend to go, and you can get some help with the cost/timing and you have an interest in population-based medicine, taking the extra year would probably be a very good idea.