Expand your perspective in patient care by earning your Master of Public Health degree from our nationally accredited program. Offered in collaboration with local public health leaders, you will learn specialized skills like epidemiology and community assessment and distinguish yourself with a research-based capstone project. Our cohort-based model, with in-person evening and online courses, allows you to engage with faculty and students in public health professions.
"I chose the Physician Leadership Development Program (PLDP) because I knew I wanted more from my medical training than just learning how to treat individual patients—I wanted to understand the bigger picture and contribute to health improvements worldwide. The Global Health MD-MPH program option gave me the tools to do just that. I plan to carry these lessons into my future career.”
Araam Abboud, M.D. ’26, M.P.H. ’25, M.S.
Academics and Curriculum
Medical students in the PLDP will complete their M.P.H. degree in three semesters at less cost than a traditional two-year M.P.H. degree and with all of the program’s benefits. The M.P.H. curriculum includes in-class, hybrid and online coursework, an applied practice experience and a research capstone project.
Medical students are not required to apply to the M.P.H. program through SOPHAS.
“Obtaining an MPH alongside my MD allowed me to have a clear vision for my career goals, deeply understand the challenges my patients are facing, and develop a specialized skill set to help our patients overcome barriers.”
Amber Prater, M.D. ’25 M.P.H. ‘24
Admission
Eligibility
You are invited to apply to the PLDP if you:
Are actively enrolled in the Boonshoft School of Medicine and in your first or second year of medical school
Are in good academic standing
Approach medical school with professionalism and integrity
Want to distinguish yourself among your peers in residency interviews
Are not in the Health Professions Scholarship Program (is not compatible with PLDP)
How to Apply
Follow up your application by emailing two letters of recommendation from persons who can tell us about your leadership experience/potential and confirm your ability to complete a second degree (letters from relatives not accepted). Applications are due by January 2025. Students admitted to the PLDP agree to abide by its policies and procedures (PDF). Once admitted to the PLDP, you will apply to the master’s degree program through the Wright State University Graduate School. As a PLDP student, you do not have to take admissions tests such as the GRE or GMAT to apply to your program of choice.
