The DVM/MPH is a special pathway in the Tufts’ Master of Public Health Program. Students selected for enrollment in this unique dual degree pathway receive the Master of Public Health degree in the same four years that they receive their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
The MPH degree complements students’ clinical understanding of the individual with a population-based perspective. The Tufts MPH is a practice degree which emphasizes methods to affect improvements in health for human populations, but DVM students can find opportunities to apply these methods to health issues affecting animal populations as well. The program also introduces DVM/MPH and their medical school counterparts to the “One Health” concept that integrates veterinary and medical perspectives. Our graduates study determinants of disease and acquire skills to reduce disease and disability at both the individual and population levels. They learn to consider prevention as well as cure. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to compare and contrast, and to integrate, the public health and clinical models. This dual perspective provides them with a breadth of knowledge and understanding that prepares them for leadership roles in the health care system.
The MPH degree curriculum prepares generalists with a sound foundation in public health disciplines, including epidemiology, biostatistics, planning and management, international health, bioethics, public health law, environmental and occupational health, and the social and behavioral sciences. This curriculum is integrated into the regular DVM track so that combined degree students complete their DVM requirements in the same sequence as their traditional DVM colleagues.
There are two major advantages to enrollment in the combined degree pathway. First, the pathway allows a student to integrate their public health work into their professional training. Their frame of reference is enriched by the public health curriculum, and their sophistication about what they see in their DVM program is increased. Secondly, it saves a year! We pride ourselves on a high faculty to student ratio with excellent rapport in an informal, and personal, teaching environment that promotes learning. We hope to provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and perspective needed to preserve and improve the health of communities. The DVM/MPH Pathway is both rigorous and flexible. Many students undertake independent research projects or study abroad. The small size and integrated DVM/MPH curriculum allows the program to respond to the specific interests and abilities of our students.
Graduates of this program are equipped to become leaders in public health administration, policy and research, as well as superb clinicians. They are sought out by residency programs and other employers, and have many interesting career opportunities available to them. We are very proud that graduates of our programs are now assuming positions of responsibility in the public health arena.
Anthony L. Schlaff, MD, MPH, FACPM Director, MPH Program
For more information about the DVM/MPH combined pathway, contact the Public Health and Professional Degree Programs by e-mail at emily.keily@tufts.edu or call (617) 636-6645.