New MPH pathway for physicians and medical students

The John D. Bower School of Population Health is launching a new Master of Public Health pathway designed explicitly for physicians and UMMC medical students. The MPH for MDs program allows any enrolled student in the UMMC School of Medicine or MD or DO around the globe to earn an MPH while building advanced skills in population health, prevention and health systems.

This new offering is especially well-suited for School of Medicine M1 students. Through a concurrent curriculum, students can complete their MPH while finishing their MD, graduating with both degrees without extending their overall time in training.

The MPH for MDs program provides rigorous training in public health foundations including epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and population-based approaches to care. Students gain tools to better understand the social and structural factors that influence health, apply data to real world decision making and lead initiatives that improve outcomes beyond the clinical setting.

By integrating public health education with medical training, this pathway prepares future physicians to think broadly about patient care, community impact and system level solutions. Graduates are well positioned for careers in clinical leadership, academic medicine, public health practice and policy focused roles.

Applications for the MPH for MDs program will open this summer, with the first cohort beginning in fall 2026. This new pathway reflects SOPH’s continued commitment to preparing health professionals who are equipped to lead at the intersection of medicine and population health.