<p>I'm looking for a career in medical research (not sure what major that is).
Anyways, i got into Emory and BC, but not sure where to go... I'm leaning towards Emory... any suggestions??</p>
<p>Oh yeah, I'm a Ugrad</p>
<p>Honestly there are very few schools that can beat Emory in this area, and BC is not one of them. Emory is better overall, has about the same quality of life, and is much better in this particular area. The CDC is literally next door. Go there.</p>
<p>The CDC is practically on campus, and many of its scientists teach at Emory. The American Cancer Society is also nearby. Emory has poured an enormous amount of money into science research (they recently sold a drug for $540 million), and it is at the forefront of research in fields like pharmacology and physiology.</p>
<p>Seriously, for medical research Emory is the place. Very few can compete with its resources. Not to mention a campus like a country club!</p>
<p>Emory. This is one area where it shines.</p>
<p>Yeah, Emory. Any other major and there might be a discussion. But med research at Emory is like flag burning at Wesleyan, or beer drinking at Wisconsin--just ask Ivy Grad (although it is a little disturbing that you didn't know which major you'd take to get into med research).</p>
<p>Both are very good schools but Emory shines based upon your interests. You will get excellent personal attention from profs and the research oriented opportuntities are encouraged and available right adjacent to the campus at CDC and the med school.</p>
<p>Don't forget that I'm an Ugrad student!</p>
<p>What do I have to major in to become a medical researcher (more specifically an epidemiologist)??? Sorry, but I'm kind of ignorant of these "future things." Is it biology?? Not pre-med??</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your input, but it looks like I'll be needing a little bit more help ^_^</p>
<p>Biochemistry, microbiology, bact, genetics are all good majors.</p>
<p>Epidemiology is not always the same thing as medical research, darkburnout. Most epidemiologists have a MPH or MD/MPH, whereas most medical researchers have an MD, PhD, or PhD/MD. When applying to MPH programs, you have a bit of flexibility. Basic courses like microbiology, organic chem, genetics, etc. are good, but equally helpful courses are statistics (lots of it), computer science, calculus, etc. I used to be very interested in the field, and here's a very helpful response from the CDC I received a while back.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Dear XXXXX,</p>
<p>Your email describing your interest in working in the field of virology
recently reached the Special Pathogens Branch. Special Pathogens is a
part of the National Center for Infectious Diseases within the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. The Branch handles hemorrhagic
fever viruses such as Ebola and hantaviruses and operates a biosafety
level 4 laboratory. Members of the Branch include physicians,
epidemiologists, statisticians, microbiologists, mammalogists, health
educators and administrators. The educational backgrounds of SPB
personnel range widely: from doctorate degrees in microbiology,
medicine, veterinary medicine, and statistics; to master's degrees in
public health, and microbiology; to bachelor's degrees in numerous areas
including computer and laboratory sciences.</p>
<p>A genuine interest in public health and solid foundation in the natural
sciences are needed to be successful in this line of work. Of those who
work in the BSL4 lab, some hold a MD or DVM degree, or a PhD in
microbiology, some are certified as medical technologists, and others
have Master's or Bachelor's degrees in the biological sciences. The
present directors of the virology labs at USAMRIID and CDC, and many of
today's leading virologists, hold MD, DVM, or PhD degrees or, in some
cases, a combination of an MD or DVM with a PhD. </p>
<p>Comparing the virological work done at USAMRIID and CDC, USAMRIID is
generally more involved in studying the viruses and developing
preventive measures while CDC also tracks the spread of diseases in
human and viral host populations (epidemiology). Virologists and
laboratory personnel often move between the two institutes; and as you
can see from the list above, researchers and health professionals with
various training and experiences work in the Special Pathogens Branch,
at USAMRIID, and in other areas at CDC.</p>
<p>Included is a listing of different opportunities available at CDC and
ATSDR <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/train.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.cdc.gov/train.htm</a>. The listing includes eligibility
requirements, a description of the opportunity, compensation, duration,
and a contact point for the program.</p>
<p>CDC and ATSDR are Federal Public Health agencies committed to the goal
of "Healthy People in a Healthy World - Through Prevention". CDC's
mission is to promote health and quality of life by preventing disease,
injury, and disability. ATSDR's mission is to prevent or mitigate
adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life resulting
from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Both agencies
are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with various field sites
throughout the country. CDC and ATSDR work with state and local health
departments; academic institutions; professional, voluntary, and
community organizations; philanthropic foundations; school systems,
churches, and other local institutions; and industry and labor to
translate new health promotion and disease prevention techniques into
improved health at every level.</p>
<p>We hope you will find this helpful in working with CDC and ATSDR to meet
your career goals. We look forward to considering you for appropriate
opportunities. Best wishes in your future endeavors.
[/quote]
</p>