MPH in the US After MBBS in India: Is it Only a Path to Residency?
- Anushka Reddy Marri, MBBS, MPH
Research Fellow
Department of Global Health, BUSPH
In the rural healthcare system, research opportunities are scarce. I attended a rural medical college and unfortunately but not surprisingly, research seemed like a far-off dream. It was only toward the end of my time as an MBBS student, that research-related resources started appearing on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. My search for any possible ‘research route’ frequently directed me towards transactional options: “pay to publish” for a CV boost, have a family connection to join a project, or pay an organization to avail guidance. It was difficult to find genuine mentorship or worthwhile chances, particularly for students working in areas with limited resources.
As many of you, I also experienced the challenges of an outdated system in which frontline healthcare workers are overworked, underpaid, and are frequently putting their own health at risk for the sake of their patients. I started to think that rather than concentrating solely on treating symptoms as they appear, I was more interested in prevention and fighting the issues upstream. This fueled my desire to work in research. I realized, however, that instead of waiting for research opportunities to materialize, I needed to make them happen. These thoughts lead to a decision to obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree when I was ready—albeit hesitantly—to change my career path from clinical practice to research.
Attending Boston University for MPH was a revelation. For the first time, I felt that this was exactly where I was meant to be. I dove into my studies, driven by the excitement of finally working toward something purposeful. I was fortunate to have mentors who showed me how research can have a direct impact on people’s lives and helped me understand the broader context. My practicum in TB and courses on the epidemiology of infectious diseases like TB and HIV research allowed me to gain hands-on experience. My experience of working with experts reinforced my commitment to address these issues that hit so close to home.
Today, I work on HIV research across three African countries and a few TB projects. I intend on expanding my study to include other infectious diseases and, eventually, outbreak investigations. It may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but knowing that my effort might make someone’s life better gives me an unfathomable sense of accomplishment.
When I reflect on research culture around me in India, I realize that far too frequently it was done merely for publication or as means to strengthen a CV. While I know that this is not the reality for the whole country, it was the reality of the circumstances around me. If research is conducted with the proper mindset and intent, it can have a significant, long-lasting impact.
Many of my peers assumed I was pursuing my MPH as a prelude to residency when I informed them of my plans. Even though I knew it wasn’t the case for me, it was simpler to accept the narrative than to clarify that my actual focus was on the MPH. Part of my reluctance to challenge their assumptions came from my own reservations, as I’d rarely seen anyone change paths the way I wanted to. Today, however, I am glad to discuss how my MPH is influencing my career. I hope to continue studying to grow into a role where I can contribute even more substantially.
MPH is a fantastic transitional degree between MBBS and residency, helping you to network and gain more knowledge about the US healthcare system, particularly if you are beginning your residency “late.” However, the degree offers much more than that. Although this route is undoubtedly difficult, every step is worthwhile. If my story inspires others to see research as a calling rather than merely a checklist, then I hope they know they have a place in this field too.
