Background: Few data are available evaluating the associations of formal public health education with long-term career choice and professional outcomes among medical school graduates. The objective of this study was to determine if formal public health education via completion of a masters of public health (MPH) degree among US medical school graduates was associated with early and long-term career choice, professional satisfaction, or research productivity.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 1108 physicians (17.1% completed a MPH degree) who had 10-20 years of follow-up post medical school graduation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results: Compared to their counterparts with no MPH, medical school graduates with a MPH were more likely to have completed a generalist primary care residency only [relative risk (RR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-2.29], obtain employment in an academic institution (RR 1.81; 95% CI 1.33-2.37) or government agency (RR 3.26; 95% CI 1.89-5.38), and practice public health (RR 39.84; 95% CI 12.13-107.38) or primary care (RR 1.59; 95% CI 1.18-2.05). Furthermore, medical school graduates with a MPH were more likely to conduct public health research (RR 8.79; 95% CI: 5.20-13.82), receive NIH or other federal funding (RR 3.11, 95% CI 1.74-5.33), have four or more peer-reviewed publications (RR 2.07; 95% CI 1.56-2.60), and have five or more scientific presentations (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.70-2.98).
Conclusion: Formal public health education via a MPH was associated with career choice and professional outcomes among physicians.