UMN MSTP vs. UNC MSTP

[pubh12]

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Hey all, interested in getting your thoughts on this. I plan to do my PhD in public health (health policy/health services research) and I'm currently most interested in general internal medicine (but could subspecialize).

I'm headed to both second looks soon, but wanted to get thoughts on what to look for when I go. I haven't decided if the small-town feel of Chapel Hill is a pro or a con - I like public transportation and things to do (city), but I also like nature and space (town). Both programs seem to have great directors. I currently live in MN.

Any feelings about one program or the other? What should I investigate when I go back?

UMN
Pros:

• great health policy dept
• more to do in Twin Cities
• friends/connections in MN
• better public transportation

Cons:

• fewer medical school faculty (or MDs) doing public health/health services research

UNC
Pros:

• students seem to love the program
• lots of public health MD/PhD students
• medical school curriculum focuses on public health/society and medicine
• big, fancy school of public health
• great health policy dept
• i've found more physicians that are doing what I want to do

Cons:

• less public transportation (might have to get a car sooner)
• more unknowns re: city, living situation

 

[DNC127]

UNC. Cooler school.

 

[looptheloop]

UNC seems like a better fit for you, based on your pros/cons lists. During revisit, try to find students who also came from a larger city and ask them about their experience re: smaller town, getting by without a car/having to get a car, etc.

Also, see you at the UNC revisit 🙂