Better match for MD/MPH?

[Apply Pressure]

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Hi all,

I'm a 2nd year medical student at a US allopathic medical school.

I was thinking about taking a year off to do my MPH degree at (hopefully) a top tier school of public health.

While I would more or less be pursuing this degree for the interest and perspective, I was also wondering if having a newly-minted MPH degree from a solid institution would hold any weight in the match. In other words- could an MPH help me match better than not having the degree (all other stats held constant)? If so, in what way?

I'd like to consider all the factors before making an appropriate decision.

Thanks in advance

 

[SippiGirl08]

these questions are always hard to answer because there are so many variables. if all else is held constant and you had a MPH and your "identical twin" applicant didn't, the MPH might give you an edge in the match. but it really depends on specialty and program if they really value that degree. i think your time would be better spent kicking ass on the boards.

 

[SippiGirl08]

also, when would you get the MPH? between year 2 and 3 or between 3 and 4? if between 2 and 3, think about how taking that time off would affect how much you remember when you do start your clinical years and how that would affect your 3rd year grades.

 

[Winged Scapula]

It probably won't make a significant difference but it would also likely depend on the field and place you will be applying. In some fields, like IM, an MPH is much more common than say, in surgery, so I can imagine it would generate some interest in your application.