Master of Public Health
Program in Public Health Medicine Leading to the MD/MPH

From the University of Minnesota School of Public Health

A collaborative program with Mayo Medical School

• Program Description
• The Profession
• Accreditation
• Degree Completion Timeframe
• Program Faculty
• Delivery Format
• Program Curriculum
• Admission Information
• Tuition
• Contact Information

Program Description

The Program in Public Health Medicine (PHM) leads to a dual M.D./M.P.H. degree. The PHM program allows current medical students to combine their medical studies with a public health degree that will increase their understanding of population-based science and the cultural and environmental factors that affect patients. The curriculum focuses on acquiring and developing public health knowledge and skills to better understand, assess, and manage population health in public health, health care, and human service settings.

Interested medical students should apply to the PHM Program if they seek the ability to address the needs of populations through initiatives that protect, promote, and improve health in a multidisciplinary environment. Applicants’ interests typically involve collaboration with clinicians, policy makers, researchers and professionals from communities, public agencies, and private organizations.

The Public Health Medicine major is offered in collaboration with the School of Public Health and the following medical schools:

• Mayo Medical School
• University of Minnesota Medical School
• University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Duluth
• University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

(back to top)

The Profession

Many students in PHP programs will use their public health knowledge and skills to enhance effectiveness and opportunities in their current work or career path. Population science is an increasingly valued area of expertise in many health and human service organizations. Health disparities, child poverty, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, preventive health, an aging population, access to care, and other factors will create many job opportunities in public health.

(back to top)

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

(back to top)

Degree Completion Timeframe

The classroom requirements of the MPH are completed during a 12-month sabbatical (June through May) from Medical School while enrolled full time in the School of Public Health. Medical school classes cannot be taken during this 12-month sabbatical. Students may begin the MPH program after Year 2 of Medical School. The entire program is comprised of a minimum of 42 credits.

(back to top)

Program Faculty

Public Health Practice faculty focus their research, teaching, and community service expertise on the application of population science. Interdisciplinary faculties cut across the partnering Schools of Public Health and Medicine. Faculty offer expertise in epidemiology, environmental health services research and policy, biostatistics, and clinical practice specialties. Faculty research and community service activities afford opportunities for student training.

(back to top)

Delivery Format

Technology-enhanced and distributed learning opportunities are an integral part of this program. Classes are lively and stimulating and include School of Public Health students from all over the world. Curriculum design assumes students will have minimal time for on-campus attendance.

(back to top)

Program Curriculum

Total Credits: 42 minimum
Course credits are listed in ( ) below

Basic Curriculum (Minimum 31.5 credits)

May Session

• PubH 6299 Public Health Practice is a Team Sport: The Power of Collaboration (1.5) Offered at the Summer Public Health Institute at the beginning OR end of the curriculum sequence

Summer Session (all courses taken online)

• PubH 6102 Issues in Environmental and Occupational Health (2) 1
• PubH 6320 Fundamentals of Epidemiology (3) 1
• PubH 6414 Biostatistical Methods I (3) 1
• PubH 6751 Principles of Management in Health Services Organizations (2) 1

Fall Semester

• PubH 6020 Fundamentals of Social and Behavioral Science (3) 1
• PubH 6741 Ethics in Public Health: Professional Practice and Policy (1) 1

Spring Semester

• PubH 6210 Seminar: Public Health Medicine (1)
• PubH 6415 Biostatistical Methods II (3)
• PubH 6852 Program Evaluation in Health and Mental Health Settings (2) 1
• PubH 6862 Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Health Care (3)

Register any term but may complete after returning to medical school

• PubH 6294 Master’s Project: Public Health Practice (3) 2
• PubH 6296 Field Experience: Public Health Practice (3-4) 2

Elective Curriculum (10.5 credits)

Elective Courses
The elective curriculum gives students the opportunity to investigate specific public health applications. Students choose one course in each of the following four areas:

• Public Health Policy
• Public Health Intervention
• Epidemiology of a Health Problem
• Public Health Management

Themes of Study
Students can focus their elective courses, field experience, and master’s project on the following themes or a self-designed theme in consultation with an advisor:

• Maternal and Child Health
• International Health
• Occupational and Environmental Health
• Infectious Disease
• Clinical Preventive Practice
• Nutrition

1 Courses available via online learning as well as in a traditional classroom format.

2 Students must register while enrolled in School of Public Health but may complete after returning to Medical School. A public health medicine setting is required for field placement but may be double counted for clinical rotation with advisory approval.

Degree requirements are subject to change for each incoming class without prior notice to applicants.

(back to top)

Admission Information

Qualifications include:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in good standing in an accredited medical school.
• Candidates may enter the program after the second year of medical school and complete coursework during a one-year sabbatical from medical school.
• Students are admitted into the program beginning summer session only.

Application for Admission
The online application for admission to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health is available at www.sophas.org (Schools of Public Health Application Service).

Supporting Documentation for Admission
Full detailed admission information is available at http://www.sph.umn.edu/pro/app/home.html. The following documentation must be submitted:

1. Personal essay
2. Resume or CV
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Official transcripts from all institutions attended
5. MCAT test scores
6. English language proficiency

Application Deadline
The application deadline is January 15 for summer admission.

Applications after the deadline are accepted on a space-available basis; contact the Public Health Practice Major at php@umn.edu before submission.

(back to top)

Tuition

Tuition for the MPH component is payable separately of Medical School tuition. All MD/MPH Public Health Medicine students receive Minnesota resident tuition rates.

(back to top)