Issues with selecting MD/MPH on AMCAS vs just Regular MD

[thebillsfan]

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I'm interesting in doing an MPH, but am wondering what checking that box really means. Does it mean I'll get sent an additional application for MPH, or will be asked about it at my interviews, etc? I know that, at harvard for example, you apply separately once you're in med school anyway, so what's the point of checking it now?

Basically, why would I ever want to select the MD/MPH box if I know I can just figure that out later if I get into that particular school?

 

[URHere]

Basically, why would I ever want to select the MD/MPH box if I know I can just figure that out later if I get into that particular school?

Not all MD/MPH programs work like Harvard's. For example, my school selects 6 applicants for the MD/MPH program during the regular application cycle. Those students begin MPH coursework the summer before MS1, and have Friday coursework over MS1 and MS2 years. In that case, you apply to the specific program because applying as an MS1 would waste time and leave you behind the rest of the class. At several schools it isn't even possible to enter the dual program once you've already started MS1.

I imagine that many schools with MD/MPH programs operate similarly.

 

[tremulousNeedle]

For many programs it is NOT simply something they bring up at the interview. Applicants to combined programs are often applying to both the medical school as well as the graduate school. Many med schools will forward your AMCAS information to the separate department (or graduate school/program) that will be granting your non-MD degree and they will send you more application information.

As an alternative, some schools are less integrated and simply have MD/MPH students take their coursework between their 2nd and 3rd years of medical school. This way of doing things allows for later entry into combined programs if it is financially and logistically feasible.

If you are interested in a combined program, I would suggest checking the box on AMCAS to make sure you are forward the necessary information.