 | Master of Public Health (MPH) in International Health and Development offered jointly with the MD at Tulane Medical School The Department of International Health and Development, together with the Tulane Medical School, is dedicated to improving the health status of populations throughout the world through the education and training of medical students in an environment of interdisciplinary, creative problem solving in the public health and social sectors. The combined MPH/MD degree is offered jointly by Tulane University School of Medicine and the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of International Health and Development. This program is particularly applicable to students who have had previous experience in international settings (such as the Peace Corps) or who aspire to work in the international arena, and who are obtaining the MD credential. The joint degree increases the student's career options in the future, by providing the individual with two sets of skills that are highly complementary: clinical medical skills and international public health program skills (management, planning and evaluation). Both degrees are internationally recognized and highly regarded.
Graduates may seek employment in public health/medical provider programs in the United States (especially those working in cross-cultural settings) or in various international humanitarian agencies working either in the U.S. or abroad. These agencies may include UNICEF, UNAIDS, U.S. Agency for International Development, World Health Organization, and a variety of non-governmental organizations (Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, CARE). Typical employment opportunities include international medical and development work in developing countries in nutrition, health education, policy and management, reproductive health, in social or psychosocial programs in HIV/AIDS (orphans and vulnerable children, elderly caring for family members, persons living with HIV/AIDS), and social or psychosocial programs for refugees due to natural disasters or war. The Department stresses the development of analytic and technical skills that will give joint degree students a comparative advantage in future employment. The teaching program draws directly on the faculty's experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs in developing country settings. The curriculum translates theory into practical applications to current problems in developing countries. The research and teaching programs of the department have several major areas of strength including, nutrition and food security, emergencies and disasters management, reproductive health and population, infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS, policy-programs-management, and monitoring & evaluation. These areas have been identified to help the student prepare for future professional opportunities in a specific sector or technical specialization. MPH/MD students will design their own unique programs of study which draw upon the strengths of the department in consultation with the appropriate faculty advisor. By the end of the program, students in the MPH/MD in International Health and Development will be able to: - Identify target populations or subgroups that require specific intervention approaches using demographic, epidemiologic and economic analysis
- Design population, health, environmental and/or public nutrition programs/projects in the context of national and international policy
- Incorporate cultural factors in the design and management of projects/programs
- Assess critically strategic obstacles to successful social change in these sectors
- Evaluate development programs/projects in terms of their quality, effectiveness and efficiency using qualitative and quantitative research techniques
- Utilize state-of-the-art information technologies in the design and monitoring of programs/projects
- Access and utilize effectively the programming resources of local, national and international organizations engaged in social sector activities.
In attaining each of these competencies, the joint degree MD/MPH students are expected to integrate the appropriate course work from the School of Medicine with their course work at the SPHTM. This will be most evident in the conduct of the MD/MPH rotation where public health learning is put into action in an applied setting. For more information on this area see the link below under Program Requirements. To view a matrix which illustrates how these competencies are achieved through the MPH courses, practical training and culminating activities please click here. Applicants must meet general admission requirements of the school. Applicant's credentials will also be reviewed by the departmental admissions committee: We are looking for demonstrated commitment to international work, and relevant prior experience, training and skills. A separate application must be submitted to each of the schools. Either the GRE or the MCAT is required for applicants to the Department for the MPH/MD. The point of entry into this dual degree program is the School of Medicine first (Fall) semester.
For specific information on the MPH/MD program please follow this link to School of Medicine MD/MPH program, click here. | | |
