Four Year MD / MPH Program
What is the MPH?
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is the most widely recognized professional degree in public health. Core disciplines of public health are: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Social and Behavioral Health, and Management and Policy Science.
Who should earn an MPH?
If you are interested in community health, clinical research, infectious disease, health promotion, global health, primary care specialties, preventive medicine, public policy, or administration, you may benefit from public health training, and the MPH would be beneficial to your career path. Physicians in many different medical and surgical specialties have all benefitted from public health training.
Why should I consider this program?
You have the opportunity to earn both degrees in 4 years, saving you time and money. Through partnership with the University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH), you may receive up to 12 hours of shared credit toward your 45-hour MPH for some of your medical school courses, at no additional cost. You will also benefit from studying public health and medicine concurrently, and through close interaction with your MD/MPH peers.
Where is the UTSPH?
TThe UTSPH has a regional campus in San Antonio with full-time faculty. The campus is located less than a mile from the School of Medicine, with convenient parking. Classes are offered online, via ITV with instructors from other SPH campuses, and "live" with local instructors. See the San Antonio campus website at: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/Campuses/San-Antonio/.
Do I need to start taking public health classes this summer? What about the fall?
To finish the MPH in 4 years, you should plan to begin your MPH studies in the summer before you begin medical school. We recommend that you take 2 online core classes this summer (Biostatistics and Epidemiology). Some students choose to take 3 classes. We do NOT recommend taking online classes while traveling abroad unless you are certain that you will have reliable high-speed internet access. There is an overlap between the UTSPH summer semester and the start of your medical studies.
I'd like to earn MPH but I'm concerned about taking on the extra load. Can I wait to apply until after I've started medical school?
To be admitted to the dual degree program and earn shared credits, you must begin your MPH coursework before the end of MS2. If you don't start coursework in the summer before medical school, it will be much harder to finish the degree requirements in 4 years, so you should consider taking 5 years to complete both degrees. Please be aware that admission to the program is competitive, and the UTSPH may decide not to accept any MD/MPH students in the Spring application cycle.
If I start the dual degree program, can I change my mind?
Absolutely. You will learn a lot about yourself and your career path through your studies. You may choose to leave the dual degree program, to take a leave of absence, or to extend the program to 5 years. You may also opt for the Certificate in Public Health, which requires 5 core classes (16 hours).
I plan to study at the Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen for all or part of 3rd and/or 4th year. Can I do the dual degree?
Yes. Studying at the RAHC, near the Texas-Mexico border complements your public health coursework and training.
Is financial aid available?
Typically, yes. If you are in the MD/MPH program, additional aid for MPH tuition and fees may be applied for through the School of Medicine financial aid office. Many students find they are able to pay their MPH tuition and fees out of their disbursement for medical school without requesting additional funds. Financial aid for summer MPH classes prior to starting medical school presents a challenge. Tuition loans and other emergency loans may be an option. The current estimated 4-year cost for tuition and fees for the MPH part of the program is ≈$8,000. The School of Medicine financial aid office is your primary contact for financial aid questions. Contact them at (210) 567-2635 or write to Associate Director of Financial Aid, Ms. Ellen Nystrom at Nystrom@uthscsa.edu regarding any financial aid for the MD/MPH Program, including for the summer prior to starting your medical studies. Note that financial aid is highly individual. You should always consult directly with the office of Veteran Services and Financial Aid so they can give you correct information based upon your unique situation.
How do I apply?
If you are at all interested in applying, please begin by contacting our MD/MPH Program Coordinator, Ms. Tatjana Walker, at mdmph@uthscsa.edu. She will refer you to the appropriate entities at the SPH for details about the application process. The application process has undergone recent changes. Contacting our office directly will help assure you receive the most up-to-date instructions for dual degree applicants.
How can I learn more about the 4-year MD/MPH degree program?
Contact the MD/MPH Coordinator, Ms. Tatjana Walker, at mdmph@uthscsa.edu or (210) 562-6550 and visit the UTSPH San Antonio Regional Campus website: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/Campuses/San-Antonio/. Each student has unique personal and professional goals. We are happy to discuss how the MD/MPH program can help you meet those goals and enhance your future practice as a physician.