thedevolution

Check with the particular program about letters of rec as some programs are strict with the number of recommendations they want while others can accept more than 3. As for individuals to give you letters of rec, your PI (the infectious disease physician) definitely counts as an academic recommendation. My advice is to get letters from people that can describe how you are in your studies and how you work in the field you're hoping to get into, especially for an MPH. It sounds like you're on the right track.

Hi Infectious, I graduated from the IDV MPH program at Berkeley and have seen my classmates go into public health practice, medical/veterinary schools, PhD programs, local/state/federal government, and all in between after graduating. What I liked about the program is that your course requirements include microbiology, virology, and immunology and that you can take classes from different schools and programs within Berkeley if you're interested in more of the biology/science side of infectious diseases. Berkeley's program prepared me for research and program coordination both abroad and at home in the U.S., if that helps any. NeurosciMRI is right in that it really depends on what your end goal is but it doesn't hurt to apply for the MPH if you think that having a public health understanding will further your future goals. PM me if you have any specific questions about the program.