MD/MPH at Emory/RSPH

[farnk20]

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Hey all, I'm an entering M1 at Emory SOM. Initially, I was interested in the 5 year MD/MPH program, but am now having second thoughts. I probably see myself in academic medicine somewhere in the distant future (no idea what specialty), and I'm not really sure how helpful an MPH would be in that context. On the one hand, I would probably concentrate in something like epidemiology, which from what I've heard is pretty statistics-heavy and potentially valuable for an academic, but on the other, I'm hesitant to take a year between M3 and M4 to do the MPH coursework because of how that might impact my clinical skills, as well as not being sure what an MPH does for me. Money is essentially not a factor in this decision thanks to some luck and outside funding sources. I'm also a year younger than most M1s (21 versus 22) so I'm not worried about the extra year timewise. Any advice, positive or negative, would be appreciated - I don't have to decide for a while still, so I'm just gathering information now. Thanks in advance!

 

[wholeheartedly]

When you say you see yourself in academics, what exactly are you envisioning?


If it's doing basic science type stuff, epi probably isn't going to be all that helpful.

If you're envisioning doing more translational, clinical, or epidemiology type research, or outcomes research then the epi background could be pretty helpful depending on how you focus your program. It is a lot of statistics, data analysis, and study design. It gives you a very solid background for being able to critically evaluate the medical literature as well.

But really, whether or not it will be helpful depends entirely on what you plan to do with it. Sounds like you aren't quite sure, so the puzzle.

(Pertinent info: Nontrad currently working in healthcare and finishing an MPH in epidemiology prior to applying, goal is to be a physician and do population level research. Have thoroughly enjoyed my epi program)

 

[farnk20]

When you say you see yourself in academics, what exactly are you envisioning?

Sorry, should've clarified - I'd be interested in something clinical probably, most likely closer to a clinical educator than a bench researcher.