Frequently Asked Questions (Combined Program)
Q: How do I apply to the Griffin Combined IM/PM Program?
A: One ERAS application is sufficient for all Griffin Residency programs. In the ERAS application choose the "Combined" option and you will be automatically reviewed and considered for the program. Although, not required, we strongly encourage that you apply to Yale School of Public Health for admission to Master's of Public Health. The Yale application can found on the Web at http://info.med.yale.edu/eph/. Yale requires GRE or MCAT scores for admission. If you have neither taken MCAT or GRE, we must suggest that you start preparing for the GRE.
Q: Would the program rank me in the match if I have not been accepted to the Yale School of Public Health by the NRMP Match Deadline?
A: Yes, the program may rank you but we will not be able to guarantee your acceptance to the Yale School of Public Health. While we prefer that incoming residents are accepted into schools of public health or already have the MPH degree, we will allow residents to apply to the MPH program during their PGY-1. We encourage all candidates to seek admission to MPH and start the application process in early fall, even before interviewing with us. We prefer candidates who have a strong interest in Public Health/Preventive Medicine, Research, and academic careers.
Q: What if I already have a MPH degree? Do I need to repeat the MPH?
A: If you have a valid MPH degree, you need not repeat or get admission to the School of Public Health. We will review your transcript to see if there are gaps in your academic coursework. We may recommend a few extra classes at Yale School of Public Health to cover any gaps. You will not need to apply for admission in this case.
Q: How can I improve my chances to get admitted to Yale School of Public Health?
A: The admission committee at Yale School of Public Health is independent. Each application is reviewed individually for academic performance in undergraduate and medical school, GRE, your personal statement, and your reference letters. Having a background in Public Health/Preventive Medicine, and future plans which incorporate strong Public Health interest and an excellent GRE score can boost your candidacy.
Q: What if I match the program but cannot get accepted to the Yale School of Public Health?
A: If you are denied admission to Yale, you have three options to choose from:
- You can choose to reapply to Yale with an improved application such as by retaking the GRE. However, if you are denied a second time, Yale will no longer entertain your application.
- You can also choose to take a few classes at Yale as a non-matriculated (non-admitted) student in order to demonstrate that you can perform well. This is usually done in the fall semester of your PGY-3. Upon successful performance, you can reapply. However, Yale charges $2500 per course. Given that you may need to take at least 2 to 4 courses, you will be responsible for the tuition in this case. Griffin will reimburse all costs once you are accepted into Yale.
- You can reapply to other schools of public health in the area. These include the University of Connecticut, Columbia, and Southern Connecticut State University. Online MPH is also an option.
Q: What if I get accepted to Yale but do not match your program?
A: The decision to pursue Yale School of Public Health is entirely yours. We only pay the tuition for those students who have been accepted to our program and have successfully completed their PGY-1 and PGY-2 year.
Q: Do I get my application fee back if I did not match your program?
A: No, the Yale School of Public Health has an application fee which is non-refundable, regardless of the admission decision outcome.
Q: Can I change my mind and choose a categorical position, leaving the combined program if I didn't like the training?
A: Generally no. We prefer that you carefully plan for your career choices and make the decision during the interview process, or at least before the rank order list submission. Under extraordinary circumstances, we have allowed residents to switch from the combined program to the 3-year categorical program.
Q: What do graduates of such combined training programs do? Where have they historically gone?
A: Some of our graduates traditionally go into academic settings to take up faculty positions in teaching programs, while some have gone into primary care in underserved areas. They combine the general practice of medicine with prevention, public health and research. We can provide a detailed list upon request.