MPH concentration- Epidemiology vs. Health Administration

[LongDocDong]

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Hey guys, I'm pre-med, but applying to do a 2 year MPH before med school. I am interested in both public health research and healthcare structure/administration, especially with regards to hispanic and immigrant populations, so I'm having a little trouble deciding between epidemiology or health administration for my MPH concentration and would love any input on the matter. Epi has 4 extra epi courses in the curriculum (including 2 semesters of applied Epi which is the useful research skills stuff) while health administration has extra courses in healthcare economics, resource management, and program evaluation. I have experience in administration (run a volunteer EMS organization), and no experience in research or epidemiology work. Any advice or personal experiences would be much appreciated!
*note: this is not to boost my app in any way, I'm just concerned with having the best preparation for my future career.
Thanks!

 

[71ubpmk]

Hey guys, I'm pre-med, but applying to do a 2 year MPH before med school. I am interested in both public health research and healthcare structure/administration, especially with regards to hispanic and immigrant populations, so I'm having a little trouble deciding between epidemiology or health administration for my MPH concentration and would love any input on the matter. Epi has 4 extra epi courses in the curriculum (including 2 semesters of applied Epi which is the useful research skills stuff) while health administration has extra courses in healthcare economics, resource management, and program evaluation. I have experience in administration (run a volunteer EMS organization), and no experience in research or epidemiology work. Any advice or personal experiences would be much appreciated!
*note: this is not to boost my app in any way, I'm just concerned with having the best preparation for my future career.
Thanks!

I’d recommend reading journal articles from each field- which are more interesting to you? Epi and health management/policy are very different fields. If you’re looking for exposure to epi concepts, check out the CDC’s epidemic intelligence service, clinical trial design, or the SEER cancer registry


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[LongDocDong]

I’d recommend reading journal articles from each field- which are more interesting to you? Epi and health management/policy are very different fields. If you’re looking for exposure to epi concepts, check out the CDC’s epidemic intelligence service, clinical trial design, or the SEER cancer registry

I'll check it out thanks!

 

[LongDocDong]

Just be aware that the motivation for a 2 year MPH prior to medical school, instead of applying for MD/MPH to be as best prepared for your future career can be considered presumtuous by some adcoms. Claiming this as a reason for the MPH will hurt, rather than help, making you arrogant and over confident. So you better have strong background as to why you are doing this

The reason for this program instead of an MD/MPH is a desire to live abroad for an extended period of time before medical school, as well as a desire for more exposure to public health in Mexico. I didn't think it would make much of a difference on preparation for my future career if I did 2 years before or one year during. Is the MD/MPH combined degree better in some way? (other than from an application/admissions perspective)

 

[LizzyM]

Check out the pre-reqs for the concentrations... some schools may require 1 year of accounting to be admitted to the management concentration. Ask the schools about concentration specific competencies and the required and elective courses for each concentration. Which seems more interesting and exciting to you might be the best way to determine the best path for you.

 

[LongDocDong]

There isnt any career difference getting before, during or after MD. The issue is solely how will this affect you getting into medical school in the first place and thus your future career as a physician. If you have a strong background in public health, and actually do work in the field, it is less than an issue. Also be aware, while there are medical schools with some focus/tracks on global health, many have missions specific to education physicians for their communities. Again, be aware of how you actions will be considered both as a positive and negative at various schools

Ok thank you!

 

[LongDocDong]

Check out the pre-reqs for the concentrations... some schools may require 1 year of accounting to be admitted to the management concentration. Ask the schools about concentration specific competencies and the required and elective courses for each concentration. Which seems more interesting and exciting to you might be the best way to determine the best path for you.

I didn't even think about pre-reqs! I read through their entire 100+ page program brochure and pre-reqs seemed to be very lax and general, so I'm assuming evaluation is pretty holistic, but there may be unspoken requirements. I will definitiely ask thanks! I think I may try to contact some alum and read up more on each field as well. Thanks for the advice!