HELP! Choosing a field..

[kancha]

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I am having a difficult time choosing a field of study for MPH- I like to travel, dont have a very strong math background (though my 750 in quant suggests otherwise), and am really interested in fieldwork in underserved areas. But again, like many who have posted here, I dont want to end up with a $30k/year non-profit job. I am currently looking into four fields, International/Global Health, MHA, HSA, and EPID in top (brand-name) PH schools. I have an above average GPA, a decent GRE, and will get good recommendations, but have to pick a program and start application process soon. In terms of work experience, which these schools so much seem to value, I dont have much. I have volunteered at a children's hospital for a summer in Nepal, have founded a non-profit (that works for health and educational accessibility in the untouchable community in Nepal, check out www.namastekatmandu.blogspot.com. But I need to decide what the best fit for me would be in terms of getting into one of these schools (Harvard, JHU, UNC-CH, Michigan, Emory, etc.), and have to start applying for Fall 2009. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[xdopaminex]

I would apply to medical school directly as that will you the widest range of options for the future. Many medical schools offer international electives and often allow one to integrate MPH studies within the MD curriculum.

 

[kancha]

thank you xdopaminex!

 

[ashbrant]

Have you looked in to health behavior and health education? You're qualifications/interests sound compatible with the field. Many of the starting positions don't pay the best, but you can find competetive salaries if you look around enough or if you're willing to work your way up. I completed the HBHE MPH program at Michigan in 2007. PM me if you have specific questions.

 

[Ilovecoffee]

hey can you tell me more about the HBHE program? I'm applying this year, confused myself about what my concentration should be - thinking of policy and health management.

let me know what your experiences with HBHE were and what you are doing now, salary wise perhaps?