MD and MPH

[Narmerguy]

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I was interested in possibly doing a MPH but it seemed like the only people that ever do it are the ones getting MDs already. Do people typically get MPH just by themselves and what is the general scope of a career in MPH? Is it ever considered as an alternative for people interested in medicine?

Lots of questions, I appreciate the help. Thanks everyone.

 

[CoolWhipp]

The MPH degree is great for someone going into medicine or just wanting to work with healthcare. Many professionals get an MPH because of it's practicality. If you have a graduate degree, there a programs that are only 1 year long. If you don't, you'll most likely have to take the 2 year path (many cases you can finish a semester early). It is definitely an alternative choice for people going into medicine, however not everyone with an MPH has the same scope of knowledge. I remember an a presenter with solely an MPH mixed up viral and bacterial diseases (yikes).

That said, there are different "specialties" within the MPH, I believe the most popular is epi. All the correlational studies that have to do with environmental, genetic, whatever risk factors are common studies within the field of public health.

I don't know much, you might want to check out the MPH forums.

 

[alibai3ah]

Some schools even have the dual degree MD/MPH in 4 years!!! (ie. Tufts, Tulane, etc.)

 

[chman]

You can get an MPH without becoming a MD. There are a lot of different things you can do with it. Epidemiology, health administration, health education, environmental health, biostats, etc. Many people make a good living at it. However, I think for top positions most people have a MD. It really just depends on what you want to do.

Check out the MPH forum.

 

[Disinence2]

If you have an interest in working for the CDC or other health care governing organizations then having an MD/MPH doesn't hurt. If your getting your MPH just for research purposes your probably wasting your time. Especially if your already in an MD program. However if your looking for something to do with your year off after a failed application cycle then an MPH is a great option. You can get some publications, and typically build some sort of relationship with your schools MD program.

An MPH by itself probably won't bring much satisfaction for someone interested in practicing medicine.

 

[Rawls87]

If you have an interest in working for the CDC or other health care governing organizations then having an MD/MPH doesn't hurt. If your getting your MPH just for research purposes your probably wasting your time. Especially if your already in an MD program. However if your looking for something to do with your year off after a failed application cycle then an MPH is a great option. You can get some publications, and typically build some sort of relationship with your schools MD program.

An MPH by itself probably won't bring much satisfaction for someone interested in practicing medicine.

I work with clinical researchers and the MPH is a major benefit to the doctors I work with. It's worth it and you can complete it during a fellowship.

 

[Superman DO]

I had a gal that I met at work not to long ago that had a MPH. She said it is great if you want to go into a career such as Epidemiology.

 

[chman]

I had a gal that I met at work not to long ago that had a MPH. She said it is great if you want to go into a career such as Epidemiology.

I am really interested in epidemiology for some reason. Maybe I should get my MPH with my MD.