I know that major doesn't matter as undergrad but...

[passionformed]

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I am looking at doing a B.S in public health. I know medical schools usually don't care what major a student does, but is public health too specialized/different, and will it give off a different impression of me (meaning that will adcoms think I am devoted to another career that is not medicine)? I am focusing on many activities that relate to public health, that is why I ask this.

 

[MedPR]

I am looking at doing a B.S in public health. I know medical schools usually don't care what major a student does, but is public health too specialized/different, and will it give off a different impression of me (meaning that will adcoms think I am devoted to another career that is not medicine)? I am focusing on many activities that relate to public health, that is why I ask this.

No.

 

[Flash7]

No not at all. I'm doing a double major in two engineering fields. They might acknowledge your major and ask a small question about your intention of doing it but it's not going to be a big deal. My older brother had several questions from interviewers on why he chose ChemE and he gave a pretty awesome response on why he did. It probably became a small plus for him. Anyway, make sure you are ready to answer that kind of question. Other than that they probably won't care.

 

[passionformed]

Many of my activities are related to public health, and I am hoping that they will allow me to develop my passion and interest in medicine. That is why I asked the question; are these activities developing my passion in medicine (which I feel they will) or will adcoms think I am actually developing a passion for public health?

Yes I know, not the smartest questions. Most answers will say that I myself know the answer. But please, share any insights. Thanks.

 

[lobo.solo]

I am looking at doing a B.S in public health. I know medical schools usually don't care what major a student does, but is public health too specialized/different, and will it give off a different impression of me (meaning that will adcoms think I am devoted to another career that is not medicine)? I am focusing on many activities that relate to public health, that is why I ask this.

Who knows what adcoms will think, but I think it will be somewhat different than another typical premed major, which is cool IMO. Also there are a couple of engineering (somewhat specialized) majors who are premeds right now and it doesn't seem to be a problem. What you will learn in your public health major could potentially help you in your career later on of you want to do public health work as a physician

 

[Josh7]

I am looking at doing a B.S in public health. I know medical schools usually don't care what major a student does, but is public health too specialized/different, and will it give off a different impression of me (meaning that will adcoms think I am devoted to another career that is not medicine)? I am focusing on many activities that relate to public health, that is why I ask this.

I don't think that you're going to get a "wow" factor from having public health as a major but it could certainly set you up for some unique healthcare related opportunities that other undergraduates might not have. If you are interested in the major then go for it.

 

[SavantFtw]

Who cares about what adcoms care.
If you are going to put in 4 years of your life in a long process, then you might as well do something that you genuinely enjoy. As long as you do well in your prereqs, MCAT, ECs, volunteering, shadowing, research.

I don't think adcoms will care imo.

 

[Josh7]

Who cares about what adcoms care.

I would say at least 99% of this forum cares about what the adcom cares about 😳

There's a reason that the LizzyM AMA got so many replies 😛

 

[hobbity]

If you're that interested in public health, maybe you could consider going the MD/MPH route? In that sense, studying public health in undergrad would make a lot of sense. I think medicine (or the academic aspects of it at least) is paying more attention to public health, so I really doubt it would be a negative. Just make sure that you can clarify that you know what being a physician entails (in contrast to public health).

 

[SavantFtw]

I would say at least 99% of this forum cares about what the adcom cares about 😳

There's a reason that the LizzyM AMA got so many replies 😛

What I was implying was that it mattered not of what adcoms cared about, as long as you did the typical cookie-cutter procedure that everyone follows.

I would not major in something to try to impress strangers. Major in something you enjoy. 👍

 

[silleme]

I think it might help you out if you're looking at developing a career in underserved communities, so it might be a plus at some schools if your volunteer activites also reflect this. Plus, if you are going the MD/MPH route this degree could set you up nicely as long as you get good research in....