The Med School Pulse

By Carleen Eaton, M.D.

For future physicians interested in health policy, epidemiology, administration or community health, a joint MD-PH program may be a good option. The typical MD-MPH program is five years in length, although a handful of programs, such as the University of Texas at San Antonio, offer four year dual degree programs.

While medical school focuses primarily on teaching students the scientific knowledge, techniques and procedures needed to diagnose and treat an individual patient, public health programs focus on health at the population level. Prevention of disease, health education, nutrition, public policy and biostatistics are all facets of …

By Carleen Eaton, M.D.

You’ve shadowed four physicians, volunteered in a hospital, a free clinic, a private practice and even got to observe in the OR a couple of times. Next on your list: research. It may not hold the same appeal for you as being in the hospital, but should you do it anyway? Or can you pass on this particular premed opportunity?

While research experience is not absolutely necessary in order to be a competitive applicant, it is a good idea and something the majority of applicant do.  The problem is, while you love seeing patients and being …

By Carleen Eaton, M.D.

Waiting is a major part of an application process that can last for a full year.  After submitting the AMCAS application, some secondaries arrive in your inbox within days, but others don’t show up until months later, by which time you are certain that the school is either giving you a not-too-subtle hint, or that they have lost your file. Then, more weeks drag on as you wait for interview offers to come your way. Finally, it happens, and then even the interview is behind you. One week (or a few months) later, you at last …