I'm an MD/MPH student and my MPH thesis isn't going well. I have hope that I will get it done satisfactorily and get the MPH, but there is a very real risk that I will not be able to defend until May, which would mean that the MPH degree wouldn't actually get conferred until the end of summer. Today I received a letter from the program where I matched saying that the match is contingent upon "our determination that you have successfully completed your current medical education program." Does this mean that if I don't finish the MPH thesis, the program where I matched could reject me? Does it mean that if my MPH degree is going to be conferred after I start internship that's a big problem? Or, do you think the warning is just referring to the MD degree?
failure to finish MPH part of MD/MPH => matched residency withdrawing offer?
- Thread starter DrBosse
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Without knowing the specifics of your program or your future residency, I would guess that the letter very likely refers to the MD.
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I agree.
How does the MPH play into your MD?
Have you already been awarded the MD?
How does the MPH play into your MD?
Have you already been awarded the MD?
The MPH and the MD are two separate degrees. The combined MD/MPH program is 5 years, which involve taking some extra classes during MS1 and MS2 and then also doing an extra year of classes . . . and a thesis. I have done all the coursework. The thesis is happening, but I will likely not defend until too late to get my MPH at the end of spring quarter, or before residency starts (there's about 6 weeks of processing and paperwork after the defense before the degree can be awarded).
The MD is a sure thing -- and a separate entity. At the end of May, unless I fail a rotation (very, very unlikely) I will have enough credits to get the MD.
So the question is: would a residency program be able to say, hey you lazy person, you didn't get your MPH on time and that means you misrepresented yourself, therefore we are going to revoke the match offer? Or could they only do this if I failed to get my MD?
Thanks!
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Why do you think they would want to revoke your match offer? They ranked you, you are a warm body who is going to be taking call for them, they'll be plenty happy enough to have you show up on the first day ready to get paged for tylenol orders a 3 AM. They probably aren't looking for an excuse to get rid of you before you even screw something up.
That is reassuring, thank you.
