Would an MPH and some interest in public health help much in landing more academic residencies?

[basophilic]

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Here are 2 possible scenarios:

With MPH (in an MD MPH program): have credentials of a relevant masters degree, I'd probably need to demonstrate interest in public health through relevant extracurriculars in the rest of med school - the time spent here would prevent time on research relevant to the specialty of my interest, and a little more debt.

Without MPH: no additional credentials beyond what you are taught in medical courses, more time for research relevant to desired specialty, and less debt.

My goal is to get into the more academic residencies that are more research oriented.

So is this an accurate assessment of the MPH in the context of my goal? How much would the first scenario help in the academic residencies?

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Your step and research beat anything an MPH can do for your career, unless you want to be in public health.

 

[basophilic]

Your step and research beat anything an MPH can do for your career, unless you want to be in public health.

Thanks for the response. And do you agree that doing an MPH (while doing public-health-relevant outside activities since you have to be doing something for the field for the MPH to have much value) would take some time away from research?

Also, say a fifth year is taken in med school to fit in all three: MPH, public health activities, and specialty-relevant research. Would this have significantly higher chances than just research? Assume all other factors like Steps and grades to be constant.

 

[basophilic]

An MPH along with a compelling research portfolio that matches a public health interest can be a boost.

Wait so you're saying the research has to be public-health-oriented? If my goal is to go into a competitive specialty, wouldn't the research need to be specialty-relevant?

And would this MPH + public health research help in getting an academic residency?

 

[Stagg737]

Wait so you're saying the research has to be public-health-oriented? If my goal is to go into a competitive specialty, wouldn't the research need to be specialty-relevant?

And would this MPH + public health research help in getting an academic residency?

I think the point is that the MPH isn't going to help you unless you can show that you plan on using it in your career. MPH + public health research shows you're utilizing your degree. MPH + nothing to do with public health after graduation shows you just wanted the letters as a booster. Ideally, MPH + public health research in the field of said competitive specialty would probably be the best. Bottom line is MPH isn't going to help if it's obvious it's just a resume booster.

 

[basophilic]

I think the point is that the MPH isn't going to help you unless you can show that you plan on using it in your career. MPH + public health research shows you're utilizing your degree. MPH + nothing to do with public health after graduation shows you just wanted the letters as a booster. Ideally, MPH + public health research in the field of said competitive specialty would probably be the best. Bottom line is MPH isn't going to help if it's obvious it's just a resume booster.

Sorry to keep badgering on this question, but you agree that MPH + public health research in relevant specialty would be best for landing academic residencies in that specialty?

 

[avgn]

No, high ass Step (250+) and very productive relevant research would be the best for landing academic residencies. If you don't care for the MPH and only want to use it to gun for a specialty, don't waste your time. Find a PI early and do a fifth year, produce meaningful work in good journals. That is the best way to get an academic residency. The MPH is not so academic.