MaxiJaz

You certainly can.

Hey. I'm actually two months in my program (studying HSR). Let me know if you'd like any specific info on the Institute or programs, I'd be happy to help! Good luck with your apps.

I had to make this decision a few months ago (over 3 potential advisors) and picked the one I felt the most comfortable. At that time, I went with my gut, and picked him even if the topic wasn't so awesome at the time. Since then, we've grinded out a new project, because he's been very understanding, and now I can't be any happier (so far..).

Started brainstorming my thesis with my supervisor in May for a September course start. It has been great to form a good relationship with him so early, and have already taken some really useful training courses relevant to my thesis. The downside, apart from the 'extra' fun I could be having this summer is not having the time to go home to see family. I think my supervisor thinks I'm from this city, and I haven't brought up my personal life, but it does suck not being home for a bit before starting somewhere new for a big stretch, especially when they're so far away.

Is it possible to take a stats elective in your program?. I need SAS (I'm familiar with SPSS) for my thesis, but the software seems to be out of my reach, and I think I learn programming a lot better via instruction and homework. Thus, I was advised to take 2 stats electives to cover the breadth of SAS

I I'm starting a more specialized program that's an offshoot of the MPH this September, so I can't give you exact details about an MPH, but as someone who will be starting a similar degree, here are my 10 cents.. I think your decision needs to take into consideration the nature of the MPH program. If there's a practicum aspect or a chance to do research/internships, you should consider schools that are in cities with lots of healthcare opportunities...Toronto is one that I can put out there. Also, I think you should do a little research on the strength of the faculty at different schools. A good place to start (albeit with a lot of discretion) is http://oncampus.macleans.ca/education/2011/10/26/macleans-2011-university-rankings-2/ - looking at the medical/doctoral category. The rankings aren't a true reflection of the strength of particular schools, but a lot of future employers, who aren't familiar with the strength of particular programs are often swayed by 'names'.

I agree with TakeruK. As trivial as it sounds, the way you address people sets the precedent for your relationship with them. My rule of thumb is the same, if given the go ahead to call them by their first name, I start to do so then on. I've been in a lot of labs with different team dynamics, and found that it might not be the best thing for you to call them by Dr. xyz or Prof. xyz when you're in a working relationship with them, as it sets this position of being a subordinate, which may be true, but not the kind of relationship you want to foster when trying to get along and work with someone. Also, I know they've earned their titles, but it's a bit antiquated and 'ass-kissey' to keep calling them that in my opinion.

I'll be starting at UofT in Health Services Research (MSc.-thesis) in the Fall, and I was considering the same when I applied, earlier this year. I too am considering med school after the two-year thesis gets over. It seems we may have similar goals - mine are to eventually get into clinical research, with med school offering that extra funding/clinical leverage, so here is my 2cents. I'm working under a cardiologist/clinical researcher, and even before the program has started, I've started a placement at the Toronto Rehab for the next two months. I chose to do a thesis simply for the chance to work with a very well-known researcher, and the opportunity to do clinical research. I figure this won't be bad for future med apps either. My prospective thesis committee are also very well known physician/researchers, and not only does that help in terms of references, I'm getting the chance to make first hand contacts. This is not to say you won't be able to do this with a practicum placement, so it depends who you work with and the subfield you want to specialize in. I think another advantage of doing research is that you have the opportunity to publish papers, which is a criteria in med schools apps. These are advantages for a thesis in Ottawa. I'm not sure about the health network in Ottawa as I've never been there, but the UHN associated with UofT is huge, and very promising. This might be important if choosing a practicum placement, as you get a pick from top-class hospitals. I'm not sure how you came across that huge tuition amount. That sounds close to US fees. I assume you're international then, tuition would be around $25k a year, no? Toronto also hosts many important clinical/research conferences, with many happening within the UofT campus, so that is also something to consider. All in all, you have to consider the opportunities you might have in the future, the networks you could make, the quality of the program and future direction in medicine you're considering.

In case you posted to learn about the opinions of Gradcafe users about the article:

wooohoo open source!

Huh...I never thought of it in that way, but you might be onto something. There are also far less post-secondary schools and specialist programs in this country, so you can only apply to a limited number of choices I guess.

Research will also allow you to get to know a supervisor, who would be invaluable for all the reference letters you'll have to send. My undergrad research thesis wasn't in an area of my eventual master's interests, but gave me a new perspective in a different field, helped me build contacts and got me to do my own thesis, which made me believe I was cut out for a masters.

Yep...my program is like that too. Sounds great...till we're off on our own looking for funding for the next year.

It depends on the school/program. When you're applying, they sometimes let you know of the nature of the reference during the application process ie. provide the e-mail of 3 referees so that we can send a digital form for them to fill. In that case, it seems likely they'll fill some sort of questionnaire/form. Otherwise, they might just have you contact the referees yourself and ask them to mail via post their LOR.

I've tried loading pdf's on my kindle and although I can read through the articles, zooming in and out each time just isn't worth the time. Kindle's aren't ready for pdf's just as yet.