‘MPH during medical study possible’

American public health schools offer masters in public health even when students study for a graduate degree in medicine, making it possible to earn two degrees at the same time.

Professor Richard Oberhelman of one of the US’s oldest public health school, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, said they were offering ‘MD-MPH’ course for American students who want to enroll in it.

Tulane School of Public Health is best known for its teaching and research capabilities.

Louisiana State University of Public Health also offers such course.

It shows the way for developing countries like Bangladesh where a student has to enroll for a MPH degree after completing medical degree MBBS that takes six years including a year for internship in a hospital.

Only after the MBBS can a doctor enroll for the MPH course.

But Prof Oberhelman, who is also chairman of the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, said under their ‘MD-MPH’ course students can study both together.

He said those who can manage free time after their MD classes and wish to study for MPH can enrol.

“It has huge benefit (if they can),” he said, “It cuts down on their time”.

Otherwise they have to undergo two years MPH after completing their MD degree, he said.

In US, MD degree takes four years and then internship in hospital which last for three to four years.

Prof Oberhelman said they were getting positive response from the students’ for the new course.