Canadian Epidemiology and MPH Programs for 2021

[SFan]

Hi everyone. A bit of background about myself.

I'm currently finishing up my 3rd year in Medical Sciences (BMSc) at Western, with the intention of applying to various Epi/MPH programs at (but not limited to)

-Western

-U of T

-Queens

-McMaster

-McGill

I have done some research and these programs are becoming quite competitive. My original aim was Med School after the BMSc degree (like basically every student in this program!), but my grades and experiences are not quite up to par. While I understand Epi programs are also quite challenging to get into, my impression is the field of candidates is much smaller and requirements a little less demanding. In addition, the prospect for employment in such fields seems to be much better than in others, given the high demand (aging population and the recent viral pandemic). Of course, I could be wrong.

I'm currently sitting at a borderline B+/A- (GPA ~3.7) average, both cumulative and for the past year. I know some schools look at only the last 2 years of 10.0 credits. I did take a statistics course last (2nd) year which was one of my better grades (82) in what was a rather lackluster mediocre performance, and I'm aware that MPH at U of T specifically looks for a B+ or greater grade for a course like this. I'm also planning on taking a course in epi next year, but I'm not quite sure how (or to what extent) this would boost my application.

In terms of experiences, I was a Director of Nutrition at my school's diabetes club last year, and I'm currently the VP of Advocacy at the Western University Bureau for the Canadian Cancer Society. Through these activities, I have been making online content promoting awareness of various health issues. In addition, I volunteered in the Dialysis Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital last summer, and was lucky to have an article promoting autism awareness in Ottawa's major newspaper (the Ottawa Citizen).

Where I believe I'm lacking is more profound/real-world professional experiences. Thus far, I haven't been able to find any lab/research work, and applications for many summer student programs for 2020 are now closed. That being said, I will currently try and see if opportunities at Western come up during the school year for 2020-21.

In short, it seems as if although I DO meet the (minimum) requirements for a lot of these programs, I will have to "up my game" in order to be truly competitive for these.

If there is anyone currently in one of these programs, or other undergrads "walking in the same shoes" as myself, I would greatly appreciate advice on how to proceed. As it's still late March, I would also appreciate some tips on summer experiences I could still apply for.

Thanks a lot!

 

Edited March 23, 2020 by SFan