Defer derm for prestigious MPH?

[DermMatch]

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Posting question PM'd to me:

do you think it is possible to match in derm and then defer residency for a year? the reason i am asking is because my backup is an mph at harvard, which is now offering me a full scholarship to attend, and i was hoping i could do that then do derm?

Comment.

 

[oracle07]

I think many programs would support and respect your decision to pursue the MPH. On the other hand the match is a binding contract and it could brew some bad blood if you match somewhere and ask them to fill your spot outside the match. They won't have trouble filling your spot, but they might not (and are not required to) let you have it back after a year. If this did rub someone the wrong way, derm is a small community and it could come back to haunt you if you need to reapply.

If the MPH is something you want to pursue right now, I would recommend letting the programs you applied to know your plans before rank lists are submitted. You could also ask them what they would prefer you do.

If I were in your situation, I would try to match into derm and keep the MPH as a solid backup plan should I not match into derm. If I matched into derm, I would complete my residency and pursue the MPH after residency if it was something I still wanted.

You won't have a problem getting into a prestigous MPH program after residency.

 

[DermMatch]

100% agree.

 

[formerdermres]

like parking spots, when you turn down an easy one, derm spots can be impossible to find again.

mph's are a dime a dozen. don't mess around.

 

[cancerman51]

I think you need to consider a delay on the mph thing until match day, then whereever it is you match at, you need to call them up and ask them if they would be willing to accommodate this. Try to sell it as, with an MPH you would be well prepared to do various types of research during residency, that would otherwise be much more difficult.

i'm not sure contacting them beforehand would be much help. easier for them to decide on something that is less hypothetical, so once they know you are coming AND that you could go to Harvard MPH, they might be really excited.

 

[DermMatch]

Problem is, however, you create a burden on the program because they are left one person short. It becomes very annoying as they are forced to either fill with an unmatched applicant or go short, creating clinic coverage problems.

Unless you are a walk-on-water applicant like a certain professor who deferred his derm residency in favor of finishing an IM residency at a prestige hospital, I would not do it. MPHs are not all that.