|
Applying to MD/MPH Programs
Dear HPA: I know that I want both an MD and an MPH, but I don't know if I do a joint program what the applications are like. I will be applying to medical school next summer, I think. Do I have to fill out separate applications? How does it work? Thanks.
Answer: When you apply next summer you will complete the online AMCAS application and will be given the option of choosing joint degree programs at your schools. Once you've checked the joint "MD/MPH" boxes for the schools you've chosen, you have alerted the medical schools of your desire to apply to their Schools of Public Health. However, they have separate application processes. In some cases, the medical schools ask that you wait until they admit you before you complete a separate application for the School of Public Health, but in many, if not most, cases, you will want to complete your MPH application during the process of review by medical schools (in other words, early next fall). Most Schools of Public Health now use a centralized application service kind of like AMCAS, called SOPHAS (go to http://www.sophas.org/). The schools not participating in SOPHAS will ask you to complete their own individualized application. Generally, you will want three letters of recommendation; these can be written by the same individuals who recommend you for medical school but they should be revised to talk about public health and your interest in the MPH; these letters go to SOPHAS or to the individual schools on their own, without coming into our office. Most MPH programs accept your MCAT as the required standardized test.
There are two adequate lists of MD/MPH joint degree programs:
The AAMC list: http://services.aamc.org/currdir/section3/degree2.cfm?data=yes&program=mdmph
The list compiled by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA): http://www.amsa.org/cph/mdmphlist.cfm
For a few more related links, go to our little Public Health section on the HPA site under "Other Health Professions."
Applying MD/PhD and MD Only?
Q: Hi HPA. It’s OK to apply to both MD/PhD programs and MD Only programs at the same time, right?
A: We do not recommend it. While the fact remains that many medical schools will consider you for the MD Only if you’re turned down from their more competitive MD/PhD program, applying to a combination of types of programs from the outset tends to look to schools like you’re indecisive (at best), or you’re lacking commitment to either path (at worst). Come talk with us at HPA about whether or not you’re a good candidate for the MD/PhD. If you are, then go for it—100%!
Post-Baccalaureate Programs
I am considering applying for the Master's program in
Biomedical science at UMDNJ. My motivation for doing this
specific program is that I want to enhance my academic record,
so that I can be a better candidate when I decide to apply
for medical school. Plus, I am a resident of NJ and would pay
in-state tuition if I am admitted. What is your advice for
students strongly considering these master's programs? How
important is the reputation of these schools to medical school
admissions committees? Do you have any impressions of the
program at UMDNJ or perhaps know an alumnus who has gone
through the program and may have some insights about it? Any
advice would be much appreciated.
Answer: Depending on your academic record (your GPA
mostly), doing a post-bacc program is a great idea. They do
tend to increase one's success at finding admission in medical
school. The UMDNJ program is fine, from what we've heard - in
answer to your question about the reputation of the
program, we have never heard anything negative about it. You
want to look for programs affiliated with a medical school,
and the UMDNJ one certainly is. Ideally, you will take
classes alongside current medical students, or at least take
some of the same courses even if they are taught at a separate
time or location. It is also important to look for programs
that offer advising from the faculty. Alumni are welcome to
come back to the HPA office for help when applying to medical
school, but you will also need some good on-site advising
while you are in the program.
Most programs can put you in contact with alumni from your
college if you call them and ask. There is a chance that we
don't have any Princetonians in the program at present, but if
you're persistent they should provide you with alums who have
done the program in the past.
The most comprehensive lists of post-bacc programs in the U.S.
can be found in two places. 1) The Assoc of American Medical
Colleges has a fairly up-to-date list where you can search by
state and type of program - go to
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/index.cfm 2) Syracuse
University has a wonderful resource at
http://hpap.syr.edu/LISTPB.HTM - listing programs
according to three main types, those for students with no
science background, those for graduates with a pre-med
background in college but non-competitive credentials, and
those designed for under-represented minorities.
MD/PhD Programs
Hi HPA. What's involved in getting a joint degree like MD/PhD? I'm thinking it might be the route I want to take. And also how can I learn more about different schools and whether or not they offer the MD/PhD? Thanks!
Answer: Many medical schools in the U.S. offer a joint MD/PhD. Approximately 40 of these schools call their MD/PhD programs "MSTP" programs, for "Medical Scientist Training Programs," and have complete funding by the NIH. All MD/PhD programs are extremely competitive to get into, and the Princeton students who have had success in this endeavor have had numbers well above the averages for applicants accepted to straight MD programs. Above all, however, they have deep and continuous research experience. For a comprehensive view of these programs, a good place to start is: http://www.aamc.org/research/dbr/mdphd/start.htm
This AAMC site will provide links to most of the programs and answer some of your FAQ's, primarily "should I do an MD/PhD?"
Another very good site is: http://www.mdphds.org/
Originally set up by an MSTP student at UC-San Francisco, this site offers "reviews" of various programs by current students and applicants, as well as a long, detailed FAQ section. Particularly useful - should you get as far as applying - are the insights into the application process. This site also includes a list of MD/PhD programs available to international students.
MD/MBA Programs
I don’t know but I think I might be interested in doing a joint MD/MBA. Do you have any information about what programs exist and whether or not I should do it?
Answer: The first place to go is the section on the AAMC website that provides information on combined degree programs. Go to: http://services.aamc.org/currdir/section3/start.cfm. On the AAMC site, choose your combined degree and get a list of links to schools offering that combo. Make sure you also check out the Curriculum Directory, which is a useful tool—fairly well updated—for researching different medical programs. You should also look at http://www.md-mba.org/, the site for the National Association of MD/MBA Students, but approach the advice here with some perspective—the site is run by students, not admissions personnel and not faculty. Lastly, you might search for Princeton alumni who hold both degrees, and talk to them about the advantages and disadvantages of their chosen path. Career Services has an alumni database called ACN (Alumni Careers Network) where you can look for alumni holding certain advanced degrees, then contact them with questions. Go to: http://web.princeton.edu/sites/career/Undergrad/Start/connect_with_alumni.html.
Podiatry
Q: Hi! I received a mailing from the AACPM, the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, and I'm really not sure what to make of it. What is podiatric medicine, and is this something I should consider?
A: According to the AACPM, www.aacpm.org, an association of 8 podiatric medical schools, and about 200 hospitals, "Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs)strive to improve the overall health of their patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. They treat a variety of conditions and employ innovative treatments to improve the well-being of their patients." Applications to podiatry schools have been on the rise in recent years, and average GPA and MCAT scores for those accepted to DPM programs are somewhat lower than those for medical school. Most importantly, you might consider pursuing a career in podiatry if you've spent time with someone who practices in this field, and if you believe that the approach to the patient and the lifestyle is consistent with your interests. Getting exposure to a wide range of medical practices (as a volunteer, doing "shadowing," or in the course of clinical research) is the best way to assess which specific direction makes the most sense for you. HPA at Princeton sees many more students interested in allopathic medicine than podiatry, or osteopathic medicine, but we do have information about all the health professions (including dentistry and veterinary medicine) in our new office at 36 University Place. We hope you'll come to take a look at the resources soon.
Question of the Week: Osteopathic Medicine
Dear HPA - I've heard of DO's but I don't know much about it. Is it as hard to get into DO schools as MD schools? What are the differences between DO’s and MDs? Is it a legitimate thing to do?
Answer: Yes, becoming a D.O. is a “legitimate” thing to do! The American Osteopathic Association has a lot of good general information on their website, www.osteopathic.org, including a section called "What Is a D.O.?" Also, the association of D.O. schools publishes an information booklet describing the 20+ programs in the country, which can be found in the HPA library. You should also look through the bins in our office labeled "Osteopathic Medicine," and spend some additional time at http://www.aacom.org/. While the “numbers” need for admission to osteopathic medical schools tend to be somewhat lower than those for MD programs, you must show a clear strength in the sciences and a record of academic achievement overall (and yes, you still need to take your MCAT). It is also crucial to have shadowed or interned with a D.O. so that you have some credibility when you say you know what osteopathic medicine is.
Similarities between D.O.'s and MD's:
- Both complete a 4-yr medical education
- Both can specialize
- Both are found in private practice and hospitals all over the country
Differences:
- D.O.'s practice a 'whole person' approach, regarding the body as integrated whole
- D.O.'s emphasize preventative medicine
- D.O. training includes extra work in the musculoskeletal system and in manipulative treatment
Osteopathic medicine can be a viable alternative for those who are interested in a holistic approach to medicine and also for those whose 'numbers' may prevent them from being competitive at allopathic (MD) programs.
The Pre-Vet Student
Dear HPA, I’m a junior who has always been interested in becoming a veterinarian. I’ve always thought that HPA was for pre-meds only, but a friend just told me that they work with pre-dental students. What can your office do for pre-vets? Is there anything I should know about being pre-vet? I don’t know what I’m asking really, I just thought I should check in with you.
Answer: We are very glad that you did check in with us. There aren’t many pre-vet students on campus, but those of you who are interested in entering veterinary medicine definitely need to let us know you’re out there. It sounds as if you haven’t been on our email list for pre-vet students—better now, as a junior, than never! Email Jennifer at HPA@princeton.edu and ask that she put you on the pre-vet email list for your Class year. Most often, we answer pre-vet students’ questions about coursework and about applying to vet school. You’re always welcome at the programming we offer for pre-meds, such as the Interviewing Info Session or the session we do on writing a personal statement for your application, since the vet school application process is very similar to the med school one. There are some differences, however. For one thing, your letters of recommendation are handled differently. When the time comes for you to apply to vet school next year (or whenever), you will have 3-4 individual recommenders complete forms via VMCAS, the application service that most (but not all!) vet schools use, and then our office will also interview you and write a committee letter which will be mailed to your vet schools directly. By all means, come to Drop-In Hours as soon as you can, so that we can make sure you’re progressing well through the pre-vet curriculum and also gaining the necessary clinical work. The required courses for vet school are very similar to the ones for med school, but there are a few anomalies at certain vet schools; we have copies of Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements at HPA, which we urge you to look through sooner rather than later, to find out about any unusual requirements at a vet school you might want to attend—then discuss everything with an adviser at HPA. We would like to meet you, so please, don’t be a stranger! |
Other
Programs:
MD/PhD, MD/MPHMD/MBA,