Global Health: Harvard vs. Columbia vs. Emory

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[Pdesai8]

If cost is not an issue, I would pick Harvard. If you're planning on working in Africa with their gov't leaders and program managers, they will all recognize and respect the Harvard name. I know these things shouldn't matter, but they do. Harvard has the strongest brand name in the world (and maybe Stanford after that). Most people don't know rankings of specific programs, but everyone knows Harvard.

 

[Solara]

Do you plan on working with any professors (e.g., doing research) during your masters degree? If so, I would look closely at which university has stronger connections and professors doing research that interests you. Global health is much more about *who* you know than *what* you know or which university you come from. If you make strong connections with these professors, they can help you get a job you want down the road.

As an example, if Harvard were good for Health Issue A, and Emory for Health Issue B (b/c it had really strong research in this issue, and professors who were experts in the field), and if you were passionate about Health Issue B, it would be better to go to Emory, where you could make connections, and those connections could get you the job later.

If the Masters is the only degree you'll get, you should also consider the pros and cons of an SM vs an MPH. An MPH is like a terminal degree, and if you're going to be investing a lot of money in a degree, an MPH would be more ideal (of course, at Harvard, you need 2+ years experience before applying for the MPH). Talk to as many professors/mentors as you can, and get their input.

 

[Dribble]

I'd say Harvard is the best choice, as others have noted, the Harvard name is known outside of the U.S., not so much for other institutions with regards to officials in foreign countries.

 

[gkm13]

Having the exact same debate right now. I was accepted to these same three programs and trying to decide. I want to work in Latin America and am most interested in water, sanitation, and hygiene studies.

 

[BPW1088]

Hey @gkm13

Have you considered Tulane or the University of Miami? While I understand that these programs are not as highly ranked as the ones you've mentioned above, their proximity to Latin America may offer more opportunities to intern/work in these countries.

 

[BPW1088]

In addition to Harvard, Columbia and Emory, I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on the quality and reputation of Tulane's Global Health program. While these reasons may seem a bit ridiculous, my body cannot handle the harsh winters of the Northeast which limits me from attending programs like Harvard and Columbia. I was unfortunately rejected from Emory's Global Health program, and I am not going to let that defer me from following my dreams and pursuing my passion to work in the field of global health.

Also, how do unconventional non-MPH programs, i.e. MSc. in Global Health programs at Duke and Georgetown, measure up against structured MPH programs. I'm strongly considering Georgetown, though its age (1 year old) is holding me back from committing.

 

[Pdesai8]

I just read this blog post regarding MPH in global health and thought I'd share in case it is helpful to any of you!

http://www.bdkeller.com/2014/02/is-there-a-global-health-bubble-or-should-you-get-an-mph/

 

[BPW1088]

Thank you for sharing that article.

 

[labrat_neuro91]

great article!

 

[Mad Jack]

Super important question: I read the article on the global health job market, and am a bit curious... I was thinking about applying to Harvard's MPH and completing it between years 2 and 3 of medical school (I start in late July, but if I want to do an MPH, I need to plan now). Would it be better to just wait and see how the job market is once I complete residency? I mean, sure, this'll force me into taking the GRE, but after the MCAT, medical school, and residency, that's really just kind of whatever on my list of things that suck. Plus, by pursuing a MPH post-residency, my skills would be more current and I could take on less debt by working in a hospital or clinic on the weekends.

Which is the better route if I'm looking to do the Harvard MPH? Will the name recognition be great enough that it won't matter my skills aren't current? This is all assuming I get in, but, hey, I can dream right?

 

[Stories]

Super important question: I read the article on the global health job market, and am a bit curious... I was thinking about applying to Harvard's MPH and completing it between years 2 and 3 of medical school (I start in late July, but if I want to do an MPH, I need to plan now). Would it be better to just wait and see how the job market is once I complete residency? I mean, sure, this'll force me into taking the GRE, but after the MCAT, medical school, and residency, that's really just kind of whatever on my list of things that suck. Plus, by pursuing a MPH post-residency, my skills would be more current and I could take on less debt by working in a hospital or clinic on the weekends.

Which is the better route if I'm looking to do the Harvard MPH? Will the name recognition be great enough that it won't matter my skills aren't current? This is all assuming I get in, but, hey, I can dream right?

If you need a break from your clerkship years, go for it. But if you don't need the break, I'd suggest just going for a MPH after you're done since it'll make it easier to retain the information you need for your USMLE tests. Just a personal thought.

 

[kerewin21]

Hi Mad Jack, I have an MD and an MPH (got my MPH after residency). I don't think the problem in the global health job market would apply to you; the glut is more in MPH's who are non-clinicians. With a clinical background you will have ample opportunities to work in global health.

Also, most MPH programs do not require the GRE (many , but not all, will accept the MCAT).

Finally, unless you are independently wealthy, you are much better off getting your MPH after med school, either during or after residency. It is very likely you can either get the MPH paid for during residency (if you do a preventive medicine residency, for instance) or during a fellowship after residency (there are many opportunities, like Robert Wood Johnson scholars fellowships and other options). You will have a much better idea by then of what you want to do with the MPH and you will be able to take better advantage of the time your spend.

Just my $.02

Super important question: I read the article on the global health job market, and am a bit curious... I was thinking about applying to Harvard's MPH and completing it between years 2 and 3 of medical school (I start in late July, but if I want to do an MPH, I need to plan now). Would it be better to just wait and see how the job market is once I complete residency? I mean, sure, this'll force me into taking the GRE, but after the MCAT, medical school, and residency, that's really just kind of whatever on my list of things that suck. Plus, by pursuing a MPH post-residency, my skills would be more current and I could take on less debt by working in a hospital or clinic on the weekends.

Which is the better route if I'm looking to do the Harvard MPH? Will the name recognition be great enough that it won't matter my skills aren't current? This is all assuming I get in, but, hey, I can dream right?