Infectious disease epi and control in crisis - Emory JHU et al

[deleted558264]

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Hi Everyone,

Apologies is this has been done to death, I'm from Australia so am having trouble knowing exactly what the reputations of each university are.

I've applied for, more or less, Infectious Disease Epi MSPH/MPH/MHS (depending on the school) and am hoping to do a separate certificate in humanitarian assistance. I know that Columbia, Emory and JHU all have certificates and specialise in these areas - does any one know which would be particularly good for infectious disease epi during crises? I'm thinking the cholera outbreak post-Haiti earthquake, diarrheal disease in refugee camps etc.

I've been accepted into the GLEPI MSPH at Emory, and it looks incredible especially as it's so close to the CDC, but, being Australian, I don't want to restrict myself to purely USA based activities. The almost year long research project at JHU looks like it would be a fantastic way to get real field experience, but perhaps Emory's instant connections to the CDC would be better in terms of networking. Does anyone have any insight?

Also, looking at subject descriptions, JHU seems somewhat lacking for my particular area of interest, despite its incredible reputation. Is this a fairly clear indication of whether I should be interested or should the known reputation of excellent graduates/professors etc override my decision (i.e. they still do infectious disease epi, but because Emory has more classroom time there are more 'interesting' courses, like emerging infectious diseases, etc at Emory)

Thanks so much! I've found all these forums an amazing help while going through the whole process. Good luck to you all!

 

[labrat_neuro91]

Hi !

I think all of the three universities you mentioned are incredibly good for ID, but Emory has a special certificate specifically for crises (http://www.sph.emory.edu/academic_programs/nondegree_programs/globalche.html). If I'm not mistaken, this certificate is created and trained by the people from the CDC.

I am, too, on the same boat as you since I am an international student and interested in working on ID both domestically (U.S.) and globally.

Ps. I went to school in New Zealand... not too far from Aus!!

 

[deleted558264]

Thanks for the reply, labrat! Compared with the USA, NZ is basically just down the street!

I guess that is a big plus that the certificate is actually created by CDC people - if anyone else out there has any thoughts I'd love to hear them!

 

[Solara]

I would say, what is most is important is "who you know," and not "what you know."

CDC does work in over 70 countries worldwide, and play a big role in infectious disease outbreak epidemiology. If you would like to work for the CDC in this regard at some point in your career, research these opportunities/positions at the CDCthat match your interests. Then, if you deem Emory a good place for networking, go there. But you have to make sure that when you actually go to Emory, that there are professors that you will be able to work with and develop connections. Simply being at a university that has well known people in your field of interest doesn't mean they'll just give you opportunities b/c you're a student there.

I would say that that Johns Hopkins is definitely one of the best when it comes to infectious diseases and epidemiology. Research their website, and see if you can find even one or two professors who do stuff you're interested in. If you find one or two big people, and can develop a good relationship with them that will lead to a good job opportunity down the road, that is better than going to the university with the better reputation, especially when comparing already stellar schools like Emory and Hopkins.

 

[deleted558264]

I would say, what is most is important is "who you know," and not "what you know."
CDC does work in over 70 countries worldwide, and play a big role in infectious disease outbreak epidemiology. If you would like to work for the CDC in this regard at some point in your career, research these opportunities/positions at the CDCthat match your interests. Then, if you deem Emory a good place for networking, go there. But you have to make sure that when you actually go to Emory, that there are professors that you will be able to work with and develop connections. Simply being at a university that has well known people in your field of interest doesn't mean they'll just give you opportunities b/c you're a student there.

I would say that that Johns Hopkins is definitely one of the best when it comes to infectious diseases and epidemiology. Research their website, and see if you can find even one or two professors who do stuff you're interested in. If you find one or two big people, and can develop a good relationship with them that will lead to a good job opportunity down the road, that is better than going to the university with the better reputation, especially when comparing already stellar schools like Emory and Hopkins.

Thanks so much, Solara. That is definitely food for thought, I appreciate it!