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Hi Everyone,
I'm posting because I'm in a unique dilemma, and would truly value your advice. I was recently accepted to both the 4yr MD/MPH and regular MD programs at University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. I know that this is a wonderful problem to have. I'm also scared sh*tless, though, that I'll make the wrong decision and spend the next 4 yrs or more regretting it. Plus, once I choose my seat for the other program will open up for students on the alternate list, so I don't want to hold that up. Miami is very strict in allowing no switching between the two programs.
The MD-only is harder to get into, apparently, than the MD/MPH, but I don't know if that should influence my decision on what program to do. I am definitely interested in public health - but I also know you can do the MPH later, and many employers will pay for you to get it, too.
Here are my thoughts so far:
PROS of 4 Year MD/MPH:
Does anyone have advice? Or additional info that I'm overlooking?
I'm posting because I'm in a unique dilemma, and would truly value your advice. I was recently accepted to both the 4yr MD/MPH and regular MD programs at University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. I know that this is a wonderful problem to have. I'm also scared sh*tless, though, that I'll make the wrong decision and spend the next 4 yrs or more regretting it. Plus, once I choose my seat for the other program will open up for students on the alternate list, so I don't want to hold that up. Miami is very strict in allowing no switching between the two programs.
The MD-only is harder to get into, apparently, than the MD/MPH, but I don't know if that should influence my decision on what program to do. I am definitely interested in public health - but I also know you can do the MPH later, and many employers will pay for you to get it, too.
Here are my thoughts so far:
PROS of 4 Year MD/MPH:
- M1 Anatomy course spread over entire M1 year, instead of just first semester.
- Guaranteed $1000 grant for overseas global health experiences.
- Spending M3 and M4 @ the regional campus (instead of the main campus) would allow the student to get more hands-on learning experience.
- Get to know those faculty better, potentially getting better LORs for residency apps.
- Housing in Palm Beach (M3 and M4) is cheaper than in Miami
- Have to attend separate lecture series from MD track students in M1 and M2.
- You leave the main campus for M3 and M4, possibly losing social network. (This is a big worry for me, since I spent my childhood moving every 2 years, and value any opportunity to make longer term relationships and friendships).
- NEED a car for rotations, which can be spread out in Palm Beach county.
- No access to the 5-hospital arrangement like at the main campus - less spontaneous shadowing opportunities.
- According to MD/MPH students at my interview day, nearly impossible to do non-public health research.
- Regular curriculum, including main lecture series.
- Spend all 4 years at main Miami campus, but still have option of doing regional campus or 'away' rotations.
- Med school is literally surrounded by 5 hospitals within walking distance, all affiliated with the school. Students at interview day said that it is extremely easy to shadow if and when you want to, that faculty are very receptive to allowing med students to shadow them.
- Maintain same social group for 4 years, build better relationships.
- Opportunity for non-public health research.
- Can still do global health rotations, trips, etc.
- Gym on campus!
- Cost of living in Miami = crazy. Literally. Living in a cheaper area further from the school would need a car.
- No guaranteed $1000 scholarship for overseas global health field experience.
- M1 Anatomy Lab is done in 1 semester vs. the 1 year in the other program, so less time to learn the material. I'm not the best at memorization (it takes me time).
Does anyone have advice? Or additional info that I'm overlooking?