<p>Why do you feel you need the MD? There are plenty of options without having to go down that long and winding road. An MPH is a useful degree. If you really want both, though, it's quite possible to earn an MD/MPH (both at the same time). MD/PhD programs (often called Medical Scientist Training Programs) are also quite common.</p>
<p>Have you considered JHU? It's easier to get into than Yale, and its public health program is excellent. I belive it offers a BS/MPH program, but I'm not sure. </p>
<p>I was interested in public health a while ago, so here's an email I received from the CDC answering some of my questions.
[quote=CDC, Special Pathogens Branch]
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.
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