M.D./M.P.H. Curriculum

MD/MPH students begin their dual degree journey during the summer before medical school taking three core public health courses (9 credits). After the completion of these courses, students begin Phase 1 of their medical school curriculum. Phase 1 is grounded in the foundational and translational sciences that are taught during the first year through symptom-based virtual clinics that incorporate health systems science, social determinants of health, core clinical skills and professionalism. Students will continue their public health coursework during Phase 1 by taking longitudinal public health coursework throughout the Fall and Spring semesters (6 credits). Students will also be introduced to the Capstone Program (1 credit) during Phase 1. See image.

Phase 2 consists of integrated clinical clerkships during the second year, where continued themes of foundational, translational, and health systems sciences are embedded within clerkships; this provides students ample experience to plan for the remaining coursework for their Master’s in Public Health. Students are expected to work on their Capstone projects during this phase however there are no core public health courses scheduled during this time.

Phase 3 allows all students in their final years of school to complete their dual-degree requirements. MD/MPH students will complete the remainder of their public health coursework during this phase. This includes 15 credits of core public health coursework, 6 credits of elective coursework and 2 credits for the completion of the capstone project. During this phase, students will also be required to take the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.