Hopkins vs. Harvard MPH

[Canadian]

Having a really difficult time with this choice.

I'm a fairly new MD, and my interests include epidemiology, HIV/AIDS and global health.

Any thoughts?

[Dreams]

Having a really difficult time with this choice.

I'm a fairly new MD, and my interests include epidemiology, HIV/AIDS and global health.

Any thoughts?

I say go with Hopkins.

[Stories]

Well, those are all very broad categories. Hopkins and Harvard are both great for MPHs. I think Harvard has a bigger installed research base than Hopkins, although Hopkins has tons of leading research, too. Harvard tends to focus more on etiologic and combining new methodologies than many schools.

[Canadian]

Thanks for the responses so far. I feel as if both will offer great coursework, so that is good (but sadly not helpful for decision-making).

I am definitely hoping to get involved with some research, and potentially fieldwork, during my MPH, and wonder if there might be a difference in the receptivity of the faculty/programs with respect to this.

[Stories]

Thanks for the responses so far. I feel as if both will offer great coursework, so that is good (but sadly not helpful for decision-making).

I am definitely hoping to get involved with some research, and potentially fieldwork, during my MPH, and wonder if there might be a difference in the receptivity of the faculty/programs with respect to this.

I'm unsure of how each school handles MPHers getting involved with research. I know that MPH students are not given priority for RA opportunities at most schools--generally, those spots are usually reserved for MA or PhD students.

[learningbydoing]

Of Harvard and Hopkins, which MPH offers more field opportunities? I will also be a new MD by the time I matriculate and would be happy to hear about actual hands-on research etc. Which school has a stronger reputation within this area?

[Stories]

Of Harvard and Hopkins, which MPH offers more field opportunities? I will also be a new MD by the time I matriculate and would be happy to hear about actual hands-on research etc. Which school has a stronger reputation within this area?

The big advantage that Harvard has that it's in Boston. Boston has a ridiculous number of public health government opportunities (state and city), non-profits, and educational (BU, Harvard, Tufts all have PH schools or programs). So there's plenty to seek out right in the city. The city of Boston also funds a TON of public health initiatives and Governor Deval Patrick is a big proponent of public health programs as is Boston Mayor Tom Menino (Boston Medical Center ER is named after him).