DVM/MPH ? Should I do it or not??? Help!

[cmb9324]

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So I need some advice! I am definitely interested in public health and I'm contemplating doing the DVM/MPH joint program at UF since it's really time/cost efficient. However, I don't know that I'll really end up using the MPH... and I really feel like I'm going to spread myself too thinly. SO- can anyone who's really convinced they want to pursue the MPH/DVM or anyone who is already doing it explain to me their reasoning? What are the pros/cons as YOU see them? Thanks!

 

[dovelover]

There's another thread http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/dvm-mph.917152/ that has some thoughts on the matter that may help, although it's not extensive. I can't really speak to UF's program, but for my program (which is somewhat loosely structured, granted), it really isn't too much of a burden because it is mostly in the summer. Now, granted, it has limited my options somewhat for the vet things I can do with the rest of my summer... but you can't do everything. You do save money doing these combined programs though, if you think you'd end up with an MPH someday anyway. The advice I think I posted somewhere last year was do it if you really actually like public health... not just because it's one of the "hot" things to do in vet med these days. If you don't find the material interesting, it will be burdensome to get through the program and then it really WILL end up spreading you too thin. I originally applied to my MPH program because I thought it would be interesting (I love infectious disease/zoonoses) and would be a useful adjunct to my interests in zoo/wildlife medicine. But as time goes on, the more I think I may enjoy working actually in a public health career someday, because I love the idea that it allows you to make a difference on a broader scale. So, point is, if you think you'd use it and are okay with swallowing the additional cost right now, go for it.

 

[WildZoo]

@dovelover you basically summed up the exact reasons why I want to do a DVM/MPH if I get into a school that has the program (hopefully UF)

 

[cmb9324]

Thanks you guys!