MD/MPH vs. PA/MPH

[bonnski]

What do you guys think about the advantages/disadvantages of pursuing an MD/MPH dual degree vs. a PA/MPH dual degree? The PA/MPH dual degrees are definitely few and far between (I can only think of a handful, GWU, Emory, Yale, maybe a couple others). For someone interested in both clinical medicine/research and public health research/policy/administration, these two options are very appealing. Obviously the MD will open more doors than the PA, but I guess my question is how much more? Is the extra years of schooling/residency and debt worth the increased accreditation if one's career goals include patient care initially, but later on a more non-clinical public health role? Thoughts?

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[deleted6669]

also consider the pa/phd program at wake forest.
you have to apply and be accepted to both the pa and phd programs independently and be accepted to both.
to make your decision even more complex there are also 5-6 pa/pharmd programs out there.

 

[smq123]

Moving to pre-allo.

 

[LizzyM]

I've never seen a PA as a PI (principal investigator) on a public health research project. For a leadership position in public health (aside from administrative roles in clinical settings), you need a doctorate whether it is a PhD, MD, or Dr.P.H. (even DVM or DDS).

Almost every medical school now offers MD/MPH. Going into primary care or research will get you some help in paying back your loans.

I just don't see much demand for PA/MPH except perhaps in a very remote place where you are both the primary care provider and the local guardian of the public health.

 

[Soulstice]

I've never seen a PA as a PI (principal investigator) on a public health research project. For a leadership position in public health (aside from administrative roles in clinical settings), you need a doctorate whether it is a PhD, MD, or Dr.P.H. (even DVM or DDS).

Almost every medical school now offers MD/MPH. Going into primary care or research will get you some help in paying back your loans.

I just don't see much demand for PA/MPH except perhaps in a very remote place where you are both the primary care provider and the local guardian of the public health.

Is even an MD/MPH sufficient to conduct research in public health, or are most opportunities typically going to require further pursuit of a DrPH?

 

[dicer]

Is even an MD/MPH sufficient to conduct research in public health, or are most opportunities typically going to require further pursuit of a DrPH?

One example that comes to mind is Atul Gawande, though he may be an exceptional case.

 

[Web MD]

I've seen several MD/MPH's at my school lead research and make significant impact in the realm of public health. As far as deans/head of department type things go, most have PhD PH. OP, I thought about this too, if you're going to do it I'd recommend MD/MPH mainly because it opens a few more doors for you later on down the road

 

[LizzyM]

If you look at the New England Journal of Medicine or JAMA, you'll find many publications of research findings that include MD/MPH collaborators.

 

[AntiHouseMD]

I'm looking at becoming a PA, and here's a blog from a PA/MPH student. It's a decent read, and I would definitely recommend it for someone in your situation.

http://www.memothepa.com/

 

[Disinence2]

What do you want to do with your career? If you want to become integrally involved with health policy than an MD >>>>>>>>>> PA. If you want to work part time in health policy or public health research and have a better grasp on medical decision making than those with just an MPH then go the PA route.

Note that getting the MD is just one extra year, there is no commitment to do a residency if your truly just interested in the health policy side. Also, if you change your mind after some clinical rotations and want to be for example a cardiologist, you can.

If you go the PA/MPH route and find yourself in a situation where to get that next promotion you need the MD, then that's 4 full more years. And yes I worked with a PA in a very similar situation.

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Ok let's see. MD vs PA? MD.

 

[Wiingy]

Is even an MD/MPH sufficient to conduct research in public health, or are most opportunities typically going to require further pursuit of a DrPH?

From what I understand the DrPH is more of a practice-based degree than a research-based degree and is designed for people who want to remain in local/state/federal health departments. The MD/MPH should be more than sufficient to conduct research in public health, but if you wanted to get a higher degree in the field, the PhD is a much better choice for research.