Let’s learn about the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree - a candidate’s journey and experiences, with Meghan Haffey

Show Notes

In this episode, Sujani sits down with Meghan Haffey to talk about her journey from discovering public health to the present day, where she is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) student in the Health Promotion & Health Education program at the University of Texas, School of Public Health.

You’ll Learn

Meghan’s journey prior to pursuing her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, including the premed route that she first started off in, switching into public health, and pursuing a Master of Public Health and specializing in EpidemiologyThat it’s okay to start off in one field and then switch to a different one; just because you choose it, doesn’t mean you have to stick to it; don’t think that the years you may have spent in one area was a waste, it is all part of the journeyThe sentiment and people’s preconceived notion that exists when one chooses to switch from the medical school path to a public health path, which Meghan did.Additionally, normalizing the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, so that it is acceptable if one chooses not to pursue a PhD.Why Meghan decided to pursue a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree, how she decided between a PhD or a DrPH degree, what she did to make the decision (informational interviews, employment perspectives, demand for each of the degrees)Tips for when you are trying to decide on a doctoral degreeThe difference between a DrPH and a PhDWhy she chose the School of Public Health at the University of Texas and a bit about the program:Her specialization: Health Promotion and Health Education (Minor in Health Policy)A walk-through of the first two years of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programHer experiences to date – a glimpse of what it feels like to be in the program, including courses, prerequisites, and work experiences she has gained through the facultyLife after her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree – where she hopes her public health path will take her

Resources

Episode with Sophiya mentioned in the episode: Episode 8 – Why I will not be applying to medical school, with Sophiya GarasiaOther resources on our platform related to the DrPH degreePodcast Episode: Episode 19 – Welcoming the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree to Canada at the University of Toronto & FAQ session, with Erica Di RuggieroBlog post: Doctor of Public Health – Isn’t that just a PhD?Taking the first step towards pursuing a DrPH degree – our DrPH program list (FREE TOOL)

Support the Show.

Join The Public Health Career Club: the #1 hangout spot and community dedicated to building and growing your dream public health career.