when is the best time to pursue an MPH?

[MSI-Scrub]

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I'm an incoming first-year student.

There are 2 things in particular that I would like to do prior to graduation. First, I want to pursue an MPH (Master of Public Health) in International Public Health ( I am interested in Internal Medicine-Infectious Disease). Second, I want to do this particular clinical research program overseas for med students that can only be done b/w 3rd and 4th year. It lasts 11 mos.

My 4 options as I see it:

1- MPH b/w 2nd and 3rd year (is it a good idea to have this gap b/w basic science and clinical years?)
2- MPH b/w overseas program and 4th year ( too much CONSECUTIVE time away from school?)
3- MPH between 4th year and residency (is it even possible to defer a residency?)
4-MPH after I begin practicing (perhaps part-time?)

Any suggestions about when the best time to take off and do this would be or any other options? By the way, my school does not have a public health school, so I'd have to go elsewhere.

Thanks alot

 

[cocoabutter]

Most med schools are pretty flexible about allowing you to do research or complete other degrees, such as MPH or MBA, while you are there. Here at Wake, you can take a year off to complete your MPH (or other degree) between 2nd and 3rd year. As you said, there is no public health school here, so you would have to go elsewhere. Where you go is up to you. Its really a matter of sitting down with a dean and discussing your goals and what is best for you. I am not an authority by any means, but I think that you will be able to achieve those 2 goals before you graduate.