Boonshoft Physician Leadership Development Program (BPLDP)

The Boonshoft Physician Leadership Development Program (BPLDP) prepares future physicians for leadership roles in order to shape the health care of the future.

The Boonshoft Physician Leadership Development Program offers first-of-their-kind integrated, dual-degree curricula for medical students. Two tracks are offered, one conferring a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.); another conferring a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). These two tracks are integrated with the School of Medicine (M.D.) curriculum, and also interact with each other during the five-year, dual-degree education. Both tracks emphasize the exercise of leadership in health care and the greater community. The physician leaders developed in this program have unique personal and professional skills that propel them to leadership opportunities in their careers.

Learn more here: http://www.med.wright.edu/bpldp/

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

MBA & Graduate Programs for Careers in Health Care

There are a number of MBA and graduate programs that focus on the health care system. If you want to get involved in medical management or if you hope to influence health policy, then perhaps you'll want to invest in some more education to get an MBA, MPA, MHA, or MSHM. If you go through an online program, then you can receive your degree while you're still working.

Here are several graduate degree programs (and of course there are many others) that focus on health care:

Northeastern University (Online)
MBA - Healthcare Management

The Northeastern MBA program has been specifically designed and structured for working professionals. To accommodate your schedule, there are eight start dates available throughout the year, so you can get started almost immediately. Once enrolled in the program, most students spend from 15 to 20 hours a week studying. A specialization, made up of 5 courses, is available in Healthcare Management.

Champlain College (Online)
Master of Science in Healthcare Management

Champlain College's online Master of Science in Healthcare Management (MSHM) is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for leadership positions in contemporary healthcare organizations. Theprogram focuses on the critical areas of management from the strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives. Champlain's MSHM is one of the few programs that melds content in business, management, healthcare, and information technology to focus on the non-technical aspects of managing healthcare.

Hospital Administrative Fellowship Programs

For students who are graduating with an MPH, if you're interested in a career in hospital administrative medicine, then perhaps you'll want to pursue a hospital administrative fellowship program. For instance, the Massachusetts General Hospital has a great program and you can view a list of current and past fellows here.

Also, the Cleveland Clinic has a hospital administrative fellowship program and you can see what the former fellows are doing by visiting this link.

Hopkins also has an Administrative Fellowship Program. You can learn about it here. You'll notice a common theme here: the fellows have an MHA or MHSA or MPH degree. Also, most of these fellows are not physicians but they are graduate students who have a strong interest in hospital administration or health administration.

MD, DO, PharmD, JD, PhD, MBA, MPH, MS

How many people do you know who have multiple doctorate and master degrees?

We commonly see MD, MPH (or DO, MPH)
I also know a few physicians with MD, JD
We see physician scientists with MD, PhD (or DO, PhD)
I also know quite a few people who have MD, MPH, MBA
It's less common to find someone who have MD, PhD, MPH, MBA

Where's the limit? There is none! So, what are these people doing with so many degrees? By the time you graduate with all these degrees, you won't have time to work because you'll be ready to retire!

Global Health Fellows Program

I often meet individuals who are interested in global health opportunities. How many people do you know who are working in some type of global health organization? I know an infectious disease physician (MD, MPH) working for the WHO in China. I also know a few individuals working in international continuing medical education (CME) companies. CME rules and regulations are very different when you go outside the United States.

If you have an MPH and you're thinking about international health opportunities, consider the Global Health Fellows Program. 

The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute (PHI) in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health, Management Systems International, and Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. GHFP is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

GHFP’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID Population, Health and Nutrition programs by developing and increasing capacity of health professionals in Washington, DC and overseas. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of junior, mid- and senior-level health professionals; a diversity initiative focused on providing internship and mentoring opportunities in international public health to under-represented communities; and professional and organizational development activities to bolster USAID’s ability to maximize results and strengthen its leadership role in global health.

There are currently two fellowship openings:

Number	Title	Location
GHFP-10-162	Private Sector Technical Advisor	Washington, DC
GHFP-10-160	Demographic and Health Surveys and Evaluation Technical Advisor	Washington, DC

To learn more about the Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP), visit: http://www.ghfp.net/

Public health job with the Border Health Foundation (Research and Development Specialist)

The Border Health Foundation (BHF) is a non profit organization founded in 1984. Its mission is to improve the health of the people of the Americas. The organization aims to do so by developing relationships that further educate and empower people, and maximize the utilization of resources through capacity building and public health programs addressing a myriad of health care concerns that affect low-income communities and high-risk underserved populations throughout the United States and its territories.

They are currently looking to fill a position for a Research and Development Specialist.

The BHF is now accepting applications for Research and Development
Specialist. The R & D Specialist must have experience working with various
racial/ethnic groups. The selected individual must be able to demonstrate a
history of securing grant funding from federal agencies. Individual must be
willing to travel out of state. Preferred requirements; Ph.D. or Master's in
the Social Sciences, Public Health or Anthropology, and 5 years experience
in the HIV/AIDS field. Minimum requirements Master's Degree in the Social
Science, Public Health or Anthropology and 8 years experience in the
HIV/AIDS field. Please submit your resume and 3 recent letters of reference
and salary requirements, to BHF/HR 3365 N. Campbell Ave., #141 Tucson, AZ
85719. EOE. Position opened until filled. The position is housed in BHF's
Administrative office in Tucson, Arizona.

Learn more about the Border Health Foundation http://www.borderhealthfoundation.org/

Top universities providing online graduate degrees

There are some top universities providing distance learning (or online) degrees. What does this say about the concept of distance learning? If top universities like Johns Hopkins and Stanford are willing to provide online degrees, then does this support the idea that online graduate degrees are equivalent to degrees obtained on campus?

• Stanford University offers an online masters program in biomedical informatics
• Johns Hopkins University offers a distance-learning master of public health
• Northwestern University offers an online master of science in medical informatics
• New York University (NYU) offers an online master of science in management and systems
• Duke University offers an online master of environmental management

I think it's fair to say that we'll see other top universities that will eventually offer online graduate degrees. I doubt that all of them will, but the trend will gradually change as universities recognize that certain programs can be delivered effectively online.

The online graduate degree that interests me the most right now is the Northwestern University Master of Science in Medical Informatics (MMI). Maybe you know some physicians who are currently enrolled in this program.

Public Health Consulting Job Opportunities in Fla, Texas and NJ

Public Health Specialists

McKing Consulting Corporation is seeking three highly skilled individuals to coordinate a statewide ALS Surveillance Project. This project is in partnership with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Florida, New Jersey and Texas Departments of Health.

McKing Consulting Corporation is a professional services corporation offering innovative management consulting support to the Federal and state government and private industries. McKing operates full service project offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Rockville, Maryland.   

The period of performance for these positions is two (2) years. Starting salary will be contingent on level of training and experience and will range between $56,000 and $75,000.  McKing Consulting benefits package includes health care through Unicare, 401k plan, paid leave, paid holidays, and life insurance, long-term disability, and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.

Duties of the position include, in collaboration with State Health Department officials:

*       Assisting in the development of protocols,
*       conducting outreach to health care providers and partner organizations to promote ALS reporting,
*       designing and maintaining databases,
*       reviewing and reconciling administrative datasets and case reports,
*       abstracting medical records,
*       maintaining project files, and
*       preparing written reports.

Qualifications for the position include: 1) a master's degree in public health (MPH) or related field, with training in epidemiology and surveillance; or 2) a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, with at least three years of work experience in public health. The positions will be based in Tallahassee, Florida, Trenton, NJ and Austin, Texas and may require substantial in state travel.  Strong computer skills and excellent oral and writing skills are preferred. Please specify which location you are applying for, and if you are applying for both, please indicate first then second preference.

Send resume with references via electronic mail to: resumes@Mcking.com and use the job title in the subject line (ALS Surveillance Specialist).

In order to be considered for these positions, candidates must be willing and able to relocate at their own expense.  Deadline for applications: January 31, 2010. http://www.mcking.com/

Deputy Director of Health

Here's an interesting public health job position titled, "Deputy Director of Health." Here's some more information:

Description:
The position of Deputy Director in a large urban health department is quite challenging. On the one hand, the Deputy must be able to “fill in” for the Director when the Director is out-of-town, on vacation or working on another issue. As a result, the Deputy plays a role in all of the major programs in the department. To do this, the Deputy Director must achieve working knowledge of many areas of public health programming. Additionally, the Deputy must have deeper responsibility with regards to several programs in the Department. The Deputy will spend some time becoming oriented to several programs before being given full administrative responsibility. The first program area over which the Deputy will assume deeper responsibility will be Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control. This is the area of the health department that requires the most physician input and has the greatest visibility in the community. This division houses four different types of clinics and associated communicable disease control programs The Deputy Director has both administrative and medical responsibilities. The medical responsibilities include, but are not limited to the establishment and periodic review of health and medical policies, conduct of epidemiologic investigations, provision of advice and consultation to practicing physicians and others within the community relative to management of cases of public health importance and supervising the work of other physicians and other professional staff within the department. The administrative responsibilities consist of acting for, and in place of the County Health Director in all matters of public health administration. The work is performed in accordance with the general policies and objectives prescribed by the Monroe County administration and with applicable State and Federal law and guidance. The Deputy Director will be asked to speak to the media about local public health issues when the Director is not available. The Deputy Director may be asked to sit on boards and advisory bodies in the community. The Deputy may be asked to attend statewide and national meetings related to local public health programs. As the current Department Director is nearing retirement age, appointment as Deputy Director at this time may be viewed by applicants as a step toward appointment as Department Director.

Compensation:
$115,115-$145,436.

Qualifications:
Candidates for Deputy Director must be physicians licensed to practice in the State of New York. In addition, it is preferred that the candidate hold a Masters Degree in Public Health or Epidemiology (or a closely related field) or be eligible or certified by the American Board of Preventive Medicine in either Preventive Medicine or Public Health. Candidates must have two years of administrative experience in a health related organization or government agency. Alternatively, the candidate may have certification by one of the American Boards as a diplomate in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Family Medicine and/or one of their respective subspecialties plus two year full-time or its part-time/volunteer equivalent experience in supervision, management, research or practice in one of the following areas: communicable disease control, chronic disease control, epidemiology or general public health.

Notice how the job description indicates a preference for an MPH, but this is not a mandatory requirement. Many physicians have the misconception that they are unable to work in the public health field unless they have an MPH. Click here for all the details about this current public health job posting.

Careers in Preventive Medicine

What type of careers can you pursue if you complete a preventive medicine residency? Well, let's look at one example. If you visit the University of Maryland Preventive Medicine Residency (PMR) Program website, you'll see a section called "Positions Held by Graduates." Here's what you'll see on that page:

• Federal
• Project Officer, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
• Epidemiologist, National Center for Health Services Research
• Project Evaluation, Food and Drug Administration
• Director of Refugee Health, U.S. Public Health Service
• Branch Chief, >National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases


• Public Health
• Director, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Maryland State Health Department
• Health Officer, Department of Health, Charles County, Maryland
• Director, Department of Public Health, Waterbury, Connecticut
• AIDS Medical Consultant, Baltimore County Health Department
• Chief, Center for Community Epidemiology, Maryland State Health Department


• Private Industry
• Occupational Medicine, ARMCO Steel Corporation, Pennsylvania
• Associate Director of Epidemiology, Merck, Sharpe and Dohme
• Director of Epidemiology, Abbott Laboratories


• Clinical Preventive Medicine
• Department of Family Medicine, Spartanburg S.C. Regional Medical Center
• Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Health Plan, Baltimore, Maryland
• Primary Prevention Program, Group Health Association, Washington, D.C.
• Medical Director, CMC Eastpoint, Baltimore, Maryland


• Academic Medicine
• Assistant Chief, Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
• Associate Professor, Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Rochester School of Medicine
• Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Assistant Professor of Epidemiology, University of South Carolina

The nice thing about a preventive medicine residency is that you'll come out with an extra degree: an MPH. You're saving on tuition, plus you're receiving a salary as a resident, so it's actually a really great deal. Remember that several preventive medicine residency programs do not participate in ERAS, so you'll have to do some research to learn more about them. Speaking of ERAS, here's what you'll see on their site regarding Preventive Medicine:

Preventive Medicine specialties focus on the health of individuals, communities and defined populations. Preventive Medicine's three specialty areas share common core competencies, but emphasize different populations, environments or practice settings: 1) Public Health/General Preventive Medicine (PH/GPM), 2) Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM), and 3) Aerospace Medicine (AM).

PH/GPM manages population-based & individual prevention in clinical, academic, public health, and private settings. http://www.acpm.org.

OEM deals with populations & individuals, by promoting health & productivity, prevention & treatment of illness and injury in workers & in people with environmental exposures. http://www.aoec.org.

AM promotes the health and well-being of crew and passengers involved in air & space travel. http://www.asma.org.

What's the value of an online degree? (MPH)

Have you considered an online degree? Maybe you're even pursuing one right now. What's the value of an online degree like an MBA? These degrees are not inexpensive. You may easily spend over $150,000 for an Executive MBA (or EMBA if you prefer). An MPH may still end up costing $30,000 to $50,000, depending on the school. Can you calculate an ROI (return on investment) on your education? (it should be ROE = return on education)

I personally think the value of an online degree ultimately depends on several different factors:

• The type of degree
• Why you're getting that degree
• Where you go to school
  
• How you plan to leverage your degree

Let's evaluate a few examples that are highly relevant for physicians who are interested in a career transition into the non-clinical sector:

• MPH (master of public health)
• MMM (master of medical management)
• MBA (master of business administration)

People often pursue an MPH because they want to work in public health. There is a national shortage of public health professionals, so there is a growing demand in this specific industry. Johns Hopkins University has repeatedly been ranked as the #1 public health program by US News. Now, if Hopkins offers a distance learning MPH, then what does this say about online MPH programs? Also, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Emory University (ranked among the top programs on US News) also offer distance learning MPH programs.

My personal opinion is this: if you want to pursue an MPH, as long as you get your degree from an institution that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), you will probably be OK with an online program. By the way, you will NOT find schools like Strayer University, Walden University, Benedictine University, Capella University, Kaplan University, or University of Phoenix on that CEPH list of accredited schools. (to clarify: Some of these schools may not offer an MPH, but if you type "online MPH" into search engines like Google and Yahoo, you will see some of these schools featured even though they do not offer an MPH degree. Some of these universities are accredited by other organizations, so I am not suggesting that these are not accredited universities. For example, the University of Phoenix is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree.)

Many health care professionals pursue an MPH while they are working full-time, so they end up taking courses part-time. Others get an MPH by taking one intense full-time year of study. Some may take a year off from residency.

If you already have an advanced degree, then the MPH will add some value, but it won't be your primary degree, so you need to answer the next critical question: "how do you plan to leverage your MPH degree?" Do you really need an MPH or are you looking for something that will improve your qualifications for some type of position or career opportunity?

A distance learning MPH is a great option because it offers flexibility and you still have the opportunity to learn, interact with students, and write your papers. Most MPH programs are not filled with exams and quizzes. Instead, you're expected to generate papers, have facilitated group discussions, and work on some team projects. You can do all of this online.

Well, I've run out of time. Tomorrow (or the next day), I'll address my thoughts on two other degrees that often interest physicians: MMM and MBA.

MPH during residency?

One question that often comes up is: "Should I get an MPH (Master of Public Health) while I'm going through residency?"

• If you're in a preventive medicine residency, you're probably getting an MPH through your residency program.
• If you're in a fairly "busy" residency, you probably won't have time for the MPH coursework during residency. You could take one year off and do an intensive one-year MPH.
• If you're in a rather "cush" residency, then I suppose you could take a few MPH courses and start your MPH degree. However, you probably won't finish the MPH before your residency is over.
  

Remember: you can always get your MPH after you complete your residency. If you take one or two courses each semester, it's really not too bad.

Non-Clinical Medical Careers in Politics

Do you think that it's a good time to get into healthcare politics? So many healthcare issues are being discussed in Washington right now. If you're passionate about politics, maybe you'd be interested in investing in some formal education.

The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at the George Washington University offers a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management. The George Washington University's programs are co-developed by university content specialists and outside partners, including government agencies, professional associations, consulting organizations, business and industry leaders.

Students networked with respected fellow professionals across the nation including:

• Public Policy Project Managers
• Government Department Managers
• Disability Advocacy Consultants
• Directors for R&D campaign planning

My favorite FAQ about this program is: "How do the GSPM's political programs differ from political science or public policy programs?" Here's the answer:

The School's curriculum focuses on applied or practical politics, not on theory-building. Public policy or public administration programs focus upon decision-making integral to the machinery of government, notably executive branch agencies. In contrast, students of political management concentrate upon the political processes that influence those agencies from outside the formal apparatus of government, through such activities as lobbying or elections. Our faculty are experienced political professionals: our full-time professors have extensive political experience, and our adjunct faculty are professionals working at the top level in the field.

Social networking is so important in the corporate world and even more critical in the world of politics. Maybe you can get a head start through this program. I don't have a love for politics, so I'm not interested, but perhaps you may want to learn more. Visit: http://www.gspmonline.com/

Of course, you could also pursue one of these degrees:

• Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
• Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
  
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care

Of course, you could always consider these options:

• Master of Public Administration in Health Policy and Management (MPA) - I suggest NYU Wagner
  
• Master of Science in Health Policy Research (MSHP) - I suggest the University of Pennsylvania
  
• Master of Science in Health Services Research - I suggest Stanford
  
• Master of Science in Health Policy and Management - I suggest Harvard
  
• Master of Science in Health Care Management - I suggest Harvard
  

If you want to cover it all:

• Master of Science in Health Services Research, Policy and Administration (MS-HSRP&A) - you can get this degree at the University of Minnesota
  

Job Post: Epidemiologist in Brazil

I've been approached by several people who are looking for some international non-clinical opportunities, so I thought I would share this.

Epidemiologist: Brasilia, Brazil

The Epidemiologist will be responsible for providing support services to enhance post-mortem diagnosis and investigation of deaths of unknown causes in Tocantins state.

* Provide Technical Assistance to Field Epidemiology Training Programs Ministry of Health partners in Brazil
* Enhance post-mortem diagnosis and investigation of deaths of unknown causes in Tocantins state.
* Implement International Health Regulations
* Develop appropriate protocols for in-hospital autopsies, transport of bodies, collection/handling/transport of Post-Mortem (PM) sample, shipping and handling.
* Identify and develop list of supplies & equipment for autopsies and PM specimen collection.
* Develop appropriate testing protocols; negotiate specimen flow, testing with reference laboratories.
* Create adequate informatics infrastructure for cataloguing and retrieving specimens; identify & evaluate lab information management systems.
* Build database for PM testing data; periodically analyze findings and disseminate reports & results.
* Develop core curriculum (achieve consensus on instructional goals and learning objectives) identified for IHR reporting training at local, state and federal levels.
* Adaptation of evaluation instruments for measuring IHR response capacity at local, state and federal level.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Background in Epidemiologist (MD or MPH with significant Epidemiology experience).
* Previous experience with unexplained death surveillance.
* Must be fluent in Portuguese (Written & Oral).
* US Citizen or Foreign National. Brazilian locals are not eligible.
* Professional training and extensive knowledge in communicable disease surveillance programs.

If you're interested in this opportunity, please contact me.

Environmental Health Epidemiologist?

No, this isn't a job description or a job ad. Instead, it's a question. Would you consider working as an environmental health epidemiologist? You'd need to have some public health (or epidemiology) training, so I'd encourage you to get an MPH (Master of Public Health). You can get an MPH in one year through an intensive full-time program. Otherwise, you can take courses part-time and compete the degree in 2-3 years.

If this sounds interesting, then read my article on: Is it Dangerous to Live Next to Power Lines?
This might give you a taste of what life might be like if you pursue a career in environmental health and/or epidemiology.

Getting a Master's Degree While You Work

Part of my new book will include a section on how I received a master's degree while working full-time. I pursued an MPH (master's in public health) through the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst School of Public Health. I was in a program with hundreds of other students who were also taking courses while working.

One common misconception is that you must have a master's degree to be successful in the non-clinical world of medicine. I'd say that's a myth. You don't need a master's degree to be successful. It may be helpful, especially if you're able to make some meaningful connections through your alumni network, but it's far from necessary. As modern distance-learning technology continues to improve, it becomes easier and easier to pursue a degree at your own pace. Would you pursue an MBA if you could do it slowly over 5 years? I would.

Working for the HHS

You've probably heard that Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has been appointed as the next HHS secretary. So how do you work for the HHS? Begin by getting involved in politics and lobbying efforts. People are always at Capitol Hill trying to rally and get support for some type of health issue. Stay updated with the reports produced by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). It's critical that you stay current with all the political issues that surround healthcare. You may want to get an MPH so that you can have a better population health perspective.

Did You Celebrate Earth Day Today?

It's Earth Day today! April 22. One of the required courses for my MPH was on environmental health. As toxins and other pollutants ruin the world, we need to find ways to improve the planet and reduce health problems. Celebrate Earth Day and support the "Green Generation" campaign that begins today. If you have a strong interest in public health, you may want to look for opportunities that focus on environmental issues that impact healthcare. There are many environmental problems that are worsening healthcare disparities in this country. Poverty-stricken areas are also hit with infectious diseases due to poor hygiene and other sanitation issues.

Many Questions Related to Residency and Non-Clinical Careers

I've received quite a few questions recently on the Student Doctor Network about residency, clinical medicine, and careers in non-clinical medicine. Here's the bottom line: you'll have many more career opportunities if you complete a residency and become board-certified in a medical or surgical specialty. Of course, if you're stuck in the middle of a very long residency and you really don't enjoy your work, then you may want to consider switching to a shorter one. You can still find opportunities if you don't complete a residency, but make sure to do your research so that you understand your options.

Also, you don't need an MPH or an MBA to succeed in the non-clinical world. Although these degrees help, they aren't necessary.

Balancing Full-Time Jobs and Part-Time Education

It's tough enough balancing a full-time job and a personal/family life. When you add an educational degree on top of that, then it gets to be very tricky! There are many people who find that they are more productive when they're pushed to the limit. Of course, you can get burned out very quickly if you're being pushed to the extreme, so you have to know your limits.

For me, I enjoy reading and learning new things. In some ways, I wish I could be a lifelong student (as long as someone pays me so that I can pay the bills, take care of my loans, etc.). However, the reality is that we need to be productive with our time, resources, and talents. I enjoyed getting my MPH (master's in public health) while I was working full-time. It was motivating and stimulating. I admit that there were days when I just wanted to be finished with my MPH. Once I was done, I felt a huge sense of relief. However, I also know that I can do it again - and that's why I've been thinking about business school. I'm still not sure where (and if) it fits into my life and my career plan, but I hope that it will at some point.

If you've been considering a part-time education and you're currently working full-time, keep this in mind: many schools offer you the option to enroll in one or two classes as a non-degree student. This gives you the flexibility to test the waters and try things out first. If you find that the work/life/school balance is too difficult, then you may need to reconsider your options. However, I'd have to think that many people would find the balance manageable - as long as you prioritize wisely. If you have the luxury to stop your day job and enroll in a full-time educational program, then you're very lucky. That's probably the best learning option if you can afford such an investment. As for me, I need to play the balancing act of work/life/education in order to stay alive and support my family. That's the practical side of life.