I like law, but I'm kind of also into research. JD/MPH? Forum

[jcan91]

Up until the end of my sophomore year I was dead-set on becoming a doctor, or at least, I told myself I was. Some reevaluations of my life during sophomore summer led me to realise that I actually no longer want to be a doctor although I am still very interested in the medical field. I've also been a microbiology researcher for almost two years now and I really like what I do. I took a bioethics and law course my sophomore year that made me fall in love with learning about medical law and it's something I'd really love to specialise in in law school. Thing is, I also wouldn't mind trying my hand and epidemiology research (hence the MPH idea) although my science gpa is rather...lacking.

From what I've gleaned on these forums, it seems most JD/MPH programs are more policy-oriented. That said, is JD/MPH for me? Are there any specific programs I should look into?

Thanks guys

[TooOld4This]

No.

JD/___ is a ridiculous waste of time and/or money.

If you want to practice law the second degree is as likely to hurt you as it is to help you -- unless you want to do patent prosecution, in which case you need to be very specific in your advanced degree.

If you don't want to practice law, then spend the time and money on working your way up the intern to policy wonk totem pole. The JD will be a waste of money. Connections and experience is what you need to cultivate.

[VasaVasori]

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[ahduth]

No.

JD/___ is a ridiculous waste of time and/or money.

If you want to practice law the second degree is as likely to hurt you as it is to help you -- unless you want to do patent prosecution, in which case you need to be very specific in your advanced degree.

If you don't want to practice law, then spend the time and money on working your way up the intern to policy wonk totem pole. The JD will be a waste of money. Connections and experience is what you need to cultivate.

The critical exception to this is of course, academia. If you can get a job as an academic based on those credentials... it's a pretty sweet deal.

[jcan91]

Vasa, I'd love to end up at my undergrad's law school, but that's a crapshoot for anyone regardless of their stats...Never hurts to try though. Also, I never really thought about academia - never saw myself as much of a teacher, minus a little tutoring i did for a high school kid once.

[VasaVasori]

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[jcan91]

Oh, that's not what I meant to suggest - sorry for not being clear. I meant to suggest that, even though you're not in their law school right now, it might be useful to find a professor there who is interested in something that you're interested (maybe health related law) and develop a relationship with them while you're an undergrad. I'm finding it to be useful to have someone on the inside that you can ask questions like this.

Oooh I get you. That would actually be a great idea! Thanks!

Anyone else with any input? All appreciated.