MPH or Masters?

[FenderB2004]

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After wondering what to do in my year off before medical school, I decided I might as well just take 2 years off and get either an MPH or a masters. However, I really don't know which one to go for. I think a masters will look better especially when applying to research oriented schools, but I think in the long run, a MPH is more practical. I've done research in both molecular biology and health economics, and I honestly enjoyed both experiences. I'm not worried about my GPA so I'm not bent on convincing adcoms that I can handle the hard sciences. For someone that has long been considering doing an MD/PhD, I normally would lean towards a masters, but I guess I'm not looking forward to the long hours in the lab that a masters entails.

Any advice guys?

 

[calebho501]

I think you're aware of the time and money you save by doing a joint masters in certain field/MD, right?

Some schools offer a one-year MPH program (Dartmouth just started it last year), so you can consider that as well.

I'd go for MPH if you ultimate goal is to work part-time or full-time in public health. If you're planning to get a MD/PhD in basic science anyway, a master's in a basic science probably won't matter too much.

 

[FenderB2004]

Thanks for the reply calebho501.

I was considering MD/MPH, but I scratched the idea after realizing that after two years of research, I had lost some of the desire to pursue the combined degree. I love research, but the long hours that I see grad students and postdocs working for sometimes little results really turned me off. I would much rather do an MPH, but I think a Masters would serve me better in the long run.

Also, do programs frown if you just get the masters and drop out before the PhD to pursue medicine?

Anyone currently doing an MPH or a Masters and wishing they had done the opposite?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Winston Smith]

there has been lots of posts on this before. I suggest searcing for MPH or masters on this forum. but the consensus is if you have a pretty good gpa (above 3.5) then go with an MPH if you're interested in public health. that's what i'm doing, good luck to you.

here's one thread where they debated this: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=49027&perpage=20&highlight=masters%20and%20mph&pagenumber=1

 

[exmike]

The MPH can help you get into med school if you have a low GPA.

It gives you a different perspective on medicine that some adcomms find attractive. Its also a lot more practical than a M.S.

A classmate of mine had a 2.8 gpa and 32 mcat and he got into UCSF after his MPH. I had a very very low 3, and I've gotten 3 interviews so far after my MPH.

I just really enjoyed my education in public health, and I honestly believe it will make me a better physician. It is especially useful if you intend to go into primary care.

I definitely think it is important to go to a program that is somewhat prestigious. Making the right contacts was a large reason my friend got into UCSF, and probably one of the reasons I'm getting interviews.

Besides, public health is good for you.

 

[KirsteenB]

Hi there exmike,

What do you mean by "making contacts"?!! 🙄

I too, have the Canadian equivalent of the MPH--an M.Sc. in Epidemiology. I couldn't agree with you more re: the utility of this type of degree. It's an eye-opener.

Cheers,
Kirsteen

 

[FenderB2004]

Originally posted by KirsteenB
Hi there exmike,

What do you mean by "making contacts"?!! 🙄

I too, have the Canadian equivalent of the MPH--an M.Sc. in Epidemiology. I couldn't agree with you more re: the utility of this type of degree. It's an eye-opener.

Cheers,
Kirsteen

Hi Kirsteen, how was getting an MPH an eye-opener? I am leaning towards applying to these programs, but I would like to learn more about them (other than what's written on their websites) Thanks!!!

 

[ItsGavinC]

Originally posted by FenderB2004
After wondering what to do in my year off before medical school, I decided I might as well just take 2 years off and get either an MPH or a masters.

Just don't put your foot into your mouth by saying that an MPH isn't a masters (not that you did). After all, it is a MASTERS in PH.

 

[KirsteenB]

Hi Fender,

I only meant to attach positive connotations to the "eye-opener" statement. Having epidemiology training helps you think a little differently in terms of health, i.e., at the population level. That's just one aspect of it, too; there are many more. I have only good things to say about undergoing an MPH experience as I have enjoyed and benefited from mine.

Cheers,
Kirsteen

 

[exmike]

Originally posted by KirsteenB
Hi there exmike,

What do you mean by "making contacts"?!! 🙄

I too, have the Canadian equivalent of the MPH--an M.Sc. in Epidemiology. I couldn't agree with you more re: the utility of this type of degree. It's an eye-opener.

Cheers,
Kirsteen

I meant contacts, as in the people you may meet that can help you in your med school journey. I suppose its just as possible with a MS degree. For example, my classmate T.A.'ed for the director of the UCSF/UCB joint medical program who teaches one of our classes. im sure that helped him get in.