Grad degree (specifically MPH) in residency match

[235009]

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so we've all read those threads about whether or not med school name/prestige is important in residency match but my question is: will a graduate degree (specifically a MPH in epi/biostats) help with residency match? If so which specialties would look most favorably at it? Does it add more credibility to research/publications or give an indication of an applicant's utility in conducting/producing future research?

 

[drizzt3117]

so we've all read those threads about whether or not med school name/prestige is important in residency match but my question is: will a graduate degree (specifically a MPH in epi/biostats) help with residency match? If so which specialties would look most favorably at it? Does it add more credibility to research/publications or give an indication of an applicant's utility in conducting/producing future research?

I would imagine it'd be helpful in infectious disease oriented residencies...

 

[Law2Doc]

so we've all read those threads about whether or not med school name/prestige is important in residency match but my question is: will a graduate degree (specifically a MPH in epi/biostats) help with residency match? If so which specialties would look most favorably at it? Does it add more credibility to research/publications or give an indication of an applicant's utility in conducting/producing future research?

It can help, but it's lower down on the totem pole than most things. Your Step 1 and evals are still going to make or break you. All this other stuff is gravy, but not the meat of your residency application. I'd only do it if you are genuinely interested in public health or epi, because it won't be important enough to do otherwise.

 

[Siverhideo1985]

What about SMPs? Would they help at all?

 

[Law2Doc]

What about SMPs? Would they help at all?

not for residency at all. but they at least are useful in the right circumstances to help folks prove themselves for med school. MPH is bad for this because schools consider it composed of "soft" sciences.

 

[235009]

I'd only do it if you are genuinely interested in public health or epi, because it won't be important enough to do otherwise.

i've already done it so that's not the question

i guess i have a couple more questions though

1. is there anything specific that i can do to maximize the effect that it might have?
2. at the moment i'm planning on working (preferably going back to one of my current jobs) during summer after first year of med school...is it possible to spend that whole summer working? is there something else i should be doing during that summer?
3. is it unheard of to work during summer after second year? even if it isn't full time?

 

[fastnfurious]

i've already done it so that's not the question

i guess i have a couple more questions though

1. is there anything specific that i can do to maximize the effect that it might have?
2. at the moment i'm planning on working (preferably going back to one of my current jobs) during summer after first year of med school...is it possible to spend that whole summer working? is there something else i should be doing during that summer?
3. is it unheard of to work during summer after second year? even if it isn't full time?

I can't answer all your questions, but I'll tell you things I've heard. To answer your original question, I do think a MPH will help in residency match. When my cousin was interviewing, his MPH would constantly come up in conversation. He said most interviewers were really impressed and enthusiastic that he completed his MPH while in med school. In the end, my cousin got matched into his top choice. He had a good step I and II score, but I still think the MPH helped a whole lot, especially if it's a competitive hospital

Working after your first year medical is definitely possible. I knew a friend who went to his old job and made a quick buck during the summer. Other friends I know have done research during that summer. As far as your 2nd summer, that is something that is dependent on your school. Usually schools just give you enough time off to study for your steps then start 3 year rotations.

 

[drizzt3117]

2. at the moment i'm planning on working (preferably going back to one of my current jobs) during summer after first year of med school...is it possible to spend that whole summer working? is there something else i should be doing during that summer?

A lot of people do research during that summer. That would help you in residency selection, especially if you get pub(s)