Having an MPH actually does enhance your residency application even if you're not applying for public health residency, especially if you went to a good program. But only if you actually wanted to do it and are interested in public health issues, and incorporate that intelligently into your application. However, I really don't think getting an MPH helps your US medical school applications all that much. So in your situation, I would complete your MPH (if you find value in it) and go to SGU (if that's a feasible option).

Also, shadyhtown, I don't think anybody already with an MD does an MPH "in order to have an additional degree". Or, at least I hope that's not the case.

Hey, I'm a recent graduate but my GPA is a horrible 2.7 but my MCATS are a 30M... anyone know my chances of getting in to St. George or any other American Med school?

The SGU website states average stats are: gpa 3.4 and mcat 26. No one knows for sure but I would guess that you may be offered a spot in the Foundation to MD program or the MPH to MD program. It's worth a try, apply and see.

All the best.

Oh there are many. I've seen people doing residencies in the TX Medical Center and take MPH courses, and I've also seen people who have been practicing doctors for a long time take MPH. MPH is a distinguished degree in today's times, what with all the increasing health problems in the community, and hospitals' increasing focus on primary care, which is why most medical schools offer an MD/MPH option, which has become even more popular than an MD/PHD option.

in my opinion MPH program has little to offer...iv been researching about it back in undergrad and no one regards it as a "distinguished degree"...its a pretty easy program to get in... and the only reason i would think MD/MPH would be more popular than MD/PHD because its much much much much MUCH easier to get into that program...

but MD/PHD, now thats distinguished.

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I have to figure whether to go to SGU or Ross.

I have a 3.6 gpa what mcat score should i have to safely get into sgu and what are my chances?

Get a 30+ MCAT and try US or Canadian medical schools first.

not gonna get into any canadian school with a 3.6

Whokares, I don't blame you for feeling that way. I felt the same before starting MPH, and didn't want to do it - considered it useless. But after taking the program, I have found out so much more about public health overall as it affects society and the world around us. That is the kind of knowledge and experience that doctors become familiar with only after a period of working in the health sector. Thanks to this program, I have a head start there.

Unfortunately, many MD students are only concerned with becoming doctors and seeing patients and carrying out medical procedures and making money. They don't look at the big picture - how the patient got the disease in the first place, and how that could be avoided in future. Physicians have become channelized only to cure, and have left the business of prevention to the social workers.

If medicine is 'Cure', public health is 'Prevention' - and I don't need to remind you of the old adage, do I?

Disclaimer - The above is a generalization and doesn't apply to all MD students or physicians. You may be different - and if so, good for you!