MPhil vs MPH

[Endoxifen]

I was just accepted to do an MPhil in Epidemiology in the UK. I want to do an MD/PhD, but I have little formal training in epidemiology, so it will definitely have a tangible impact on my career. This degree is the equivalent of an MPH, but when I return to the states, will it be viewed that way? Also, will the degree have any impact on admissions? I’m not pursuing the degree to try to make up for GPA or MCAT, which aren’t an issue, but I know it wouldnt help regardless. Beyond that though, will it play any significant role in setting me apart from other applicants? What about for an MD/PhD?

Thank you!

Edit: clarified meaning

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[Endoxifen]

1) If you have competitive stats/background for MD-PhD, getting a masters at cambridge will be seen as an accomplishment. How much is impossible to measure but I would suspect most MD/PhD programs would probably value a more research driven masters but again, no way to measure.

Gonnif, thank you for the reply. The MPhil will have a significant research component, ultimately resulting in a thesis and likely an authorship. Regarding the degree itself, do you know if the MPhil will be as well regarded as an MPH when I return to the states? If I'm successful in getting a PhD, this question won't matter, but if, for what ever reason, I only get an MD, then the MPhil may make a difference in job applications, grants, etc.

 

[Microbug]

Gonnif, thank you for the reply. The MPhil will have a significant research component, ultimately resulting in a thesis and likely an authorship. Regarding the degree itself, do you know if the MPhil will be as well regarded as an MPH when I return to the states? If I'm successful in getting a PhD, this question won't matter, but if, for what ever reason, I only get an MD, then the MPhil may make a difference in job applications, grants, etc.

As an mdphd applicant this cycle, I don’t think schools care if it’s MPH or MPhil, they just care about the depth of research.

 

[wholeheartedly]

No, I think you'll be fine. That's just the way Cambridge and other schools over there do the degree. I think Epi programs or employers like the CDC who get a decent number of international folks are going to have enough familiarity with the degree options that you'll be just fine. For the MD/PhD I agree that the depth of your research experience is going to be most important. It'll probably also depend a bit on what type of PhD you want too, ie stay with Epi or translational type stuff or shift to more basic science.