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

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

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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.

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Accreditation

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

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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. Students are encouraged to consult with medical school dean and program staff to plan coursework.  Students may begin the MPH program after Year 2 of Medical School. The entire program is comprised of a minimum of 42 credits.

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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.

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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.

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Sample Course Schedule

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

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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/prospective/admissions/index.asp . 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 financial aid/scholarship priority deadline is December 15 for summer admission.  The final application deadline is March 15. The admissions committee holds its first meeting in early February. 

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

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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.

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Contact Information

Maria L. Brown, MBA, MT (ASCP)
Program Director, Graduate Business, Management
and Public Health
University of Minnesota Rochester
300 University Square
111 South Broadway
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
Phone: 507-258-8058
Fax: 507-258-8066
E-mail: brow2785@r.umn.edu