Debating between MD and 4 year MD/MPH

[Khong]

I have been debating between the MD vs. the 4 year MD/MPH programs at both University of Miami and Tulane University. In particular, I have been focusing on how the MPH could possibly affect my residency competitiveness. While I do plan on getting an MPH at some point in my career, I am not sure if I should put off my MPH until my residency or post-residency. Based on previous threads, I have found the following opinions:

1.An MPH may help with certain residencies which are more likely to utilize it (like primary care). An MPH’s benefit mostly comes later when looking for employment at a community hospital or academic institution or applying for fellowships.

2.An MPH may be looked at unfavorable due to the perception that it is used as a filler degree before getting into medical school or while taking time away from medical school.

3.An MPH is only useful if you publish research papers. However, it is more beneficial to do research with an attending who is well connected and could help you get in to other residency programs. Networking, research, leadership positions are better options than time spent completing the MPH.

However, most the opinions were based on either a 5 year MD/MPH programs or taking years off to get an MPH. I have not seen a thread that discusses the pros and cons of a 4 year MD/MPH program. What are your opinions on a 4 year MD/MPH program?

Thanks!

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[Guillemot]

I think MPH is a great idea. You can do extra work and build character by getting an MPH. Then you can tell stories about how you got an MPH to your future colleagues, and they'll all be quite impressed.

 

[michaelrack]

I think the extra letters behind your name will be worthless. If you think the knowledge gained by doing the MPH will be helpful, go for it.

 

[Neuronix]

I think the extra letters behind your name will be worthless. If you think the knowledge gained by doing the MPH will be helpful, go for it.

Agreed, I would add just don't go into extra debt getting the MPH.

 

[CodeRedDew]

I think MPH is a great idea. You can do extra work and build character by getting an MPH. Then you can tell stories about how you got an MPH to your future colleagues, and they'll all be quite impressed.

Lol.

@OP not worth it if it's just going to be a resume' padder. I say do it if you really have a passion for public health, other than that, the benefits gained are minuscule.

 

[Porfirio]

If they cost the same, MPH is just bonus.
If they take the same amount of time, MPH is just bonus.
If the time it takes to get the MPH does not interfere with time for MD studying, MPH is just bonus.

Either way, you will be just fine. Get the MD, and your life will have many doors open.

I was in a similar situation with MD or MD/PhD. I found the PhD to be of little benefit. A MD can just collaborate with a PhD. I imagine the same is true for a MD/MPH.

 

[cocoapelli]

One thing to consider is that if you complete your MPH later as part of a fellowship you can get it paid for. There are a few MPH programs that only admit people who already have their MDs, so they could be more suited to your interests as a doc.
-things I learned after asking an MD/MPH prof for advice
Would be interesting to hear the perspective of students who have completed or are currently in an MD/MPH program...

 

[BurberryDoc]

From what I understand about the MPH at UMiami, it is not a very well organized program (according to students) - have fun studying for step I and getting ready to start clerkships WHILE looking for a new apartment in West Palm. That was just one of a handful of contentions.

Source: UMiami Interview Day / Matriculating at UMiami for MD

 

[Missorleans]

I'm doing the MD/MPH at tulane right now. My problem with it is that I'm always putting more work into the MD classes and feel like I'm not retaining anything from the MPH classes. This is a problem when you have classes that build on previous classes like biostats or epidemiology, but not really a problem for other departments.
Also, you'll have to come up with some idea of how you'll use the MPH in the future, or else residency programs are just going to see it as resume padding.

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Also, you'll have to come up with some idea of how you'll use the MPH in the future, or else residency programs are just going to see it as resume padding.

Yup.

I've interviewed several residency candidates this year with MPHs. Some of them are able to very clearly articulate what they have learned and what they plan to do with it, and it meshes very well with their career and research goals. In those cases, it gives them a little bit more "street cred" and probably improved my overall evaluation of them.

Others can't articulate this, and in those cases the degree adds nothing to the strength of the application.

I strongly agree with others - if you genuinely think the skills and knowledge from the MPH will benefit your career, go for it. If you are seeking a resume booster for residency, save your time and money.

 

[Bostongal]

I am a current MD/MPH student at the University of Miami. I can say that what Burberrydoc says is true: our MPH program is not as well organized as we would like. I'm not sugar-coating it, though. I would say their disorganization is a pain when you have big deadlines for your capstone project or, like me, if you received a grant to do public health work over the summer. Otherwise, it doesn't affect me on a daily basis.

And, no, you do not have to apartment-hunt in West Palm while you study for step 1. That's crazy. Perhaps some did and they probably regretted it. You have six weeks post step-1 to think about that. Or, get on the ball even earlier (before end of March) if you're a real estate gunner.

Our program as a whole is also new, I am in the second class of this new curriculum EVER. Growing pains are inevitable, but I don't regret my decision. When I made up my mind to go to medical school, I promised myself I wouldn't get the MD without the MPH. For me, it's a multi-faceted issue. I want to be focused on the big picture, but I want to treat patients as well. I have the option to be an epidemiologist in a hospital if I choose, but I can also be an orthopedic surgeon and never use the MPH again (but that's unlikely). I get into the social justicey (I hereby declare 'justicey' a word, btw) issues of medicine, and my borderline socialism is better tolerated in the MPH crowd. Let me wrap up by addressing your specific questions:

1.An MPH may help with certain residencies which are more likely to utilize it (like primary care). An MPH’s benefit mostly comes later when looking for employment at a community hospital or academic institution or applying for fellowships.
Getting two degrees at once looks fancy, okay? I'm NOT saying that is a reason to do it. Please, don't do it to look fancy and nothing else. BUT you're a bit of a baller because you took on the extra work. Not to mention, the knowledge an MPH brings you is useful in any residency, but not to the same degree. An MPH benefit comes as you enter the hospital setting; you're attuned to the larger issues at play when it comes to health outcomes and healthcare.

2.An MPH may be looked at unfavorable due to the perception that it is used as a filler degree before getting into medical school or while taking time away from medical school.
What the hell is this? WHAT IS THIS? A filler degree? The only filler degrees are the ones that contribute absolutely nothing to your understanding of human health. Also, if you got your MPH while you did your MD, what are you filling? "spare" time? K.

3.An MPH is only useful if you publish research papers. However, it is more beneficial to do research with an attending who is well connected and could help you get in to other residency programs. Networking, research, leadership positions are better options than time spent completing the MPH.
No. If you see the MPH as a means to an end and nothing else, please for the love of all that is holy do not do this program. You'll be "that person"; you'll also be in the minority so you'll be alone in your douchiness. And you people drag us down. We're here to get an MPH and an MD in four years because we want to integrate our learning of the parts with the whole. Or for some, because we really want both but not in five years. If you do well, you will get a good residency. You can still do research in our program. But, if this is how you look at an opportunity to do a dual-degree, please don't do it here. Otherwise, message me for more details. I'd be happy to chat with you about it more!!

 

[notbobtrustme]

However, most the opinions were based on either a 5 year MD/MPH programs or taking years off to get an MPH. I have not seen a thread that discusses the pros and cons of a 4 year MD/MPH program. What are your opinions on a 4 year MD/MPH program?

More schooling, dubious benefit.

/thread

 

[Chipster.]

Does anyone know anything about the Tufts program? One of my main concerns is that it will take too much time away from studying for the MD classes.

 

[UNCPharm16]

Its stupid to do a dual degree unless it is an MD/MBA
You will need use your MPH, its a waste of money and will not help you advance.
Seniority and experience is what you need.
You're gonna be in debt 200K pre interestest... don't be stupid and waste more money.

 

[Chipster.]

Its stupid to do a dual degree unless it is an MD/MBA
You will need use your MPH, its a waste of money and will not help you advance.
Seniority and experience is what you need.
You're gonna be in debt 200K pre interestest... don't be stupid and waste more money.

Sage advice from the pharmacy student...

 

[Missorleans]

Its stupid to do a dual degree unless it is an MD/MBA
You will need use your MPH, its a waste of money and will not help you advance.
Seniority and experience is what you need.
You're gonna be in debt 200K pre interestest... don't be stupid and waste more money.

Seniority and experience won't get me a job involving epidemiology or research if I don't know **** about either of them...

 

[AquiVoy13]

Its stupid to do a dual degree unless it is an MD/MBA
You will need use your MPH, its a waste of money and will not help you advance.
Seniority and experience is what you need.
You're gonna be in debt 200K pre interestest... don't be stupid and waste more money.

No... I've met md/mph physicians who say the mph was very valuable in terms of the knowledge they acquired and the opportunities it provided. It all depends on what you're interested in and what you want to eventually do... Great for some people, wouldn't do much for others.

OP, I'd say go for the dual degree if you truly envision yourself doing something related to public health. I wouldn't do it just to enhance your residency app.

 

[kyamh]

I had a long chat with a department head/surgeon over the holidays about medical school and career questions. He could not recommend getting an MPH strongly enough! He said his number one regret in his career was not getting an MPH sooner because he really values the outlook on medicine he gained as a result of this program. n=2 - my mom got an MPH in the last few years and it opened a lot of doors for her career.

 

[Bostongal]

I think getting an MPH is a huge bonus in many ways: extra knowledge and understanding of health systems and public health methods/prevention is ALWAYS going to be useful. The non-dual degree kids are getting zip zero none of the exposure and instruction that we are, not even close, when it comes to public health. There is no substitute for an MPH (okay, I guess a PhD in epi would be if you're REALLY excited about it).

However, PLEASE keep in mind that four year dual degree programs are EXTRA WORK! I sort of forgot this crucial fact but was quickly reminded. I have class, more class, projects, and oh . . . step 1? In 3 months? That's important, I hear. It's intense. If you're not sure about the value of an MPH for you, don't do a 4 year program. Do it in 5 years or do it in residency; that way you won't resent the extra work . . . as much.