Global Health versus Epidemiology

[sb925]

I applied to medical school for this fall and got 2 interviews but 0 acceptances. With that said, I have decided to go with the Masters route and re-apply again for next year or the year after. I debated between getting a masters in Biomedical Engineering (which is my undergraduate major) and Public Health. I FINALLY decided that I want to go into public health.

Now I'm wondering if I should go into Global Health or Epidemiology. I've looked into several programs in both areas and I really like them both. I'm really interested in international health education and I want to be a part of Doctors without borders one day, but at the same time I really enjoy learning about science and medicine...so it's making the decision hard! I feel like both programs would be applicable to me once I become a doctor. I was hoping that someone would have some advise for me as to which concentration is
- more useful in the medical setting
- help me with medical school (getting in when I re-apply AND with related coursework once I'm in)

Thank you for your help!
- S.

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[Dibs]

how about global disease epidemiology at emory, or international health subdivision in epidemiology at michigan or global disease control and epidemiology subdivision in International health at hopkins (MHS degree though)

 

[andtheholograms]

or alternatively, take classes in both and get a dual degree, if you'd like.

As a person with a degree in global health, who was interested in epi: i went for the global health (actually global communicable diseases) and just took epi classes on the side, eventually getting a certificate in clinical epi.

BUT, i find only the epi is a marketable skill, as not many people require in depth knowledge of the life cycle of ticks. So my advice would be, get the mph in epi, and take the global health stuff on the side. An mph is an mph, and any job dealing with global health will just see those initials and your work/volunteer experience internationally or with international populations; everyone else, however, will love you for your ability to do SAS and design clinical trials.


Either way, I loved getting my mph--it really teaches you a completely new way to look at the world and health.
good luck!

 

[mpurcell]

I would agree and go for epi, but if you do have a strong interest in global health, as the others said- do it on the side. A lot of schools allow you to get your degree in epi and get a global health certificate (basically the equivalent of a minor). I would recommend calling or checking online for the schools you are interested in to see what they offer. I'm located on the west coast, so i'm not as familiar with east coast schools, but i know that berkeley offers the certificate and ucla is in the process of developing one. hope that helps, good luck!