Md/mph

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tbone1234

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So i was initially trying to go for the MD/PhD program... but after further research I gathered that the MD/MPH program is probably more suited for me. I enjoy research, but 1) do not have enough of it on my application for a medschool to accept me for a PhD, and 2) I prefer more clinical work than research.

Do medschools hold the same GPA/MCAT/etc. etc... requirements for MD/PhD acceptance as MD/MPH?

For some reason I feel like this is a "downgrade" to MPH from PhD though... What are ya'lls opinions on this?

Also, as far as medschool goes between the two programs... I know the MD/PhD program is 7 years, whereas the MD/MPH can be completed in 5 years. Is this a good reason to pursue the MD/MPH?

My ambition is to specialize in surgery (specifically cardiology). Will an MD/MPH give me an equal chance as a MD/PhD at accomplishing this?

Thank you all. I love this forum!!
 
partially. If it's just an extra year I might as well; I'm willing to put in the work.

Also, I figure having the MPH under my belt will open up new doors for me incase I need them.
 
personal opinion (and feel free to disagree): it is not worth it to pay an extra however much money it is for that year just to "have a second degree". If you do indeed need it in the future to open doors for you, you can easily go back to school and get it. Also, you MOST DEFINITELY do not "need" it for any speciality. I would say only get the MPH if you're very passionate about public health and want to work in hospital administration or something similar. If you just want to be clinical, go for the MD and save the one year of tuition.



I know it feels like its a "step down", but in reality its really not. You don't want to do tons of research so it makes sense that you don't do the PhD.


good luck!
 
If you want to do practice surgery, I can't see how a MPH would really push you far. Its really only worth it if you want to do public health later on. I think research would be beneficial.
 
Man I love the fast replies; thanks for the post hifey (and brooklynblunder)

You're right... maybe I'm thinking too much about the title rather than what I'm going to do with it. I still feel however it could open some doors... I may decide to pursue hospital administration (which is something that I'm actually kinda interested in, possibly much further down the line though).

How would medschools view the MD/MPH program in deciding whether to accept me or not? What do you think they'd look for? I have tons and tons of leadership experience, non-medical volunteering, tutoring... but my clinical experience is lacking a bit. I know this is important, but when it comes to research, would they frown upon the idea that I don't have much? Since it's not PhD...
 
MD/MPH admissions is different from MD/PhD. you pretty much just apply MD, and then apply for the MPH. most likely, if you get into the MD program, you should be able to get into their MPH program. You just have to let them know at the time of application so you might get it down to one year.
 
If you are in a position later on where you need an MPH, it would be much easier to go back to get one, than to get one and not use it.IMO.

I thought about it too and that was the conclusion I came to. You might even be able to get your education (MPH) paid for by your employer at that time.
 
The MD/MPH programs at Tufts and Tulane are only four years
 
personal opinion (and feel free to disagree): it is not worth it to pay an extra however much money it is for that year just to "have a second degree". If you do indeed need it in the future to open doors for you, you can easily go back to school and get it. Also, you MOST DEFINITELY do not "need" it for any speciality. I would say only get the MPH if you're very passionate about public health and want to work in hospital administration or something similar. If you just want to be clinical, go for the MD and save the one year of tuition.



I know it feels like its a "step down", but in reality its really not. You don't want to do tons of research so it makes sense that you don't do the PhD.


good luck!

Many schools give scholarship money for dual degrees, including the MPH.

OP: If you have an interest in the "big picture" of medicine and you are willing to do an extra year, then by all means. As one of the professors at my school says "you can't have too much education." You never know what doors will be opened by the time you begin your career.

I am also interested in pursuing an MPH, probably after 2nd year. I get a nice summer break after Step 1 and then a "year off".
 
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