Is HPSP compatible with MD/MPH?

[Oregonmdbound]

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I will be entering MS1 in the Fall and I have also been accepted to the MD/MPH duel degree.

My first question is whether the MD/MPH is compatible with the HPSP and more importantly if public health opportunities are needed for the military?

I know the HPSP won't pay for the MPH year, but will they pay for the four years of medical school and allow me to go inactive for my MPH year?

Lastly, if the military does want public health minded physician, what branch will be the best fit? What opportunities are available?

I have talked to the Navy and Army, but the Army recruiter told me flatly "they were not interested in MD/MPH students" Was he mistaken? The Navy recruiter was more enthusiastic but vague.

Thanks for any info you can give me.

Best

 

[USArmyHPSP]

The Army recruiter was right on.

 

[BLACKMD]

The Army recruiter was right on.

Why wouldn't the army be interested in MD/MPH students?

 

[orbitsurgMD]

They want you for your MD degree. They can get MPH degrees from their Occupational and Preventative medicine residents as well as any number of non-physician public health employees.

 

[NavyFP]

Why wouldn't the army be interested in MD/MPH students?

The simple answer is this: The Army has a pipeline with expected outflows at a given time. No one needs an MPH to practice the vast majority of medicine, so a surgeon, OB, psychiatrist or such is not value added if they have an MPH. When you sign for HPSP it is expected that you will go straight through and graduate in 4 years. To do otherwise requires a request from HPSP and is not guaranteed.

 

[deuist]

Why wouldn't the army be interested in MD/MPH students?

Because an MPH adds no useful skills to the vast majority of docs. It's a money maker for a university (similar to an MBA) that does not increase your salary.

 

[Oregonmdbound]

So, the vast majority of what I am getting is negative on the MD/MPH and HPSP. Would the FAP be a more compatible program with my degree?