A Message from
Barbara E. Millen, DPH, RD, FADA
Chair, Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences
Dear Prospective Student:
The Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) is the first medical school
in the nation to grant the Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD),
and MD-PhD degrees in Medical Nutrition Sciences. The programs are located in
the Department of Family Medicine where there is a strong clinical and research
focus on all stages of the lifecycle (including pediatric, adolescent, adult,
and geriatric medicine) as well as preventive specialties such as sports medicine
and complementary and alternative medicine. Our interdisciplinary programs bring
together the Boston University Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Public
Health into a full collaboration on advanced degree training in nutritional
sciences. They also draw upon the extraordinary clinical and research faculty,
facilities and resources of our outstanding medical center. We are encouraging
strong candidates to apply for the 2008-2009 academic year.
As we enter our fifth year of operation in this innovative multidisciplinary
model, the Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences are pleased to announce
the initiation of a new Master’s Fellowship Award Program. MA students
who are selected for fellowships will receive a $5,000 award toward their graduate
studies. The fellowships will be awarded to students with the most outstanding
academic records and whose research and professional interests closely align
with the domains selected by faculty for special focus in the coming year (See
attached descriptions.). Up to one fellowship per research area will be awarded.
Students are eligible to apply for consideration of more than one fellowship.
Only one fellowship per student will be awarded.
The BUSM Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences are based on a unique and broad
curriculum. Graduates of the programs are prepared for wide-ranging career opportunities
that include basic, epidemiological and clinical nutrition research; advanced
clinical nutrition practice; nutrition and public health promotion at the individual
and population levels; nutrition policy and program planning; or nutrition and
health communications. Our graduates are qualified to work in a wide variety
of professional positions within academic institutions and major teaching hospitals,
the food and pharmaceutical industries, public and private research organizations,
health maintenance systems, the federal, state and local government, or in print
or electronic media and public relations firms.
The Master of Arts (MA) program provides an excellent educational
framework for those interested in pursuing wide-ranging nutrition careers in
diverse settings. The MA program is also designed for students who desire a
sound background in nutrition and preventive medicine prior to entering medical
school or doctoral training. Applicants with undergraduate science degrees and/or
degrees in nutrition and/or premed are particularly encouraged to apply. The
MA program requires 32 graduate credits including thesis research, and can be
completed in one year of full-time study. Many classes are offered in the late
afternoon to accommodate students who wish to consider or continue employment.
The PhD program is research-oriented and offers students many,
unique opportunities for conducting basic, clinical or applied investigations
within our collaborating medical, dental, and public health schools. Boston
Medical Center includes two major teaching hospitals that provide state-of-the-art
health care to the underserved populations of the city as well as nearby suburban
communities. The PhD program requires 32 credits beyond the Master’s degree,
including dissertation research. Students with a Bachelor degree are advised
to complete the MA in Medical Nutrition; upon completion of the MA in good standing,
students may petition for admission to the PhD program. A separate application
is not required if the MA is completed at Boston University School of Medicine.
MD-PhD students complete dual-degree requirements including
the PhD program curriculum and dissertation research.
The Boston University Medical Campus has over 3,000 faculty, 600 funded research
programs, 1,000 active clinical trials, and hundreds of courses offerings in
the basic sciences, traditional and complementary clinical practice, diverse
research methods, health counseling, and public health concentration areas.
This exceptional environment provides an ideal setting for students interested
in advanced education and practice and facilitates exposures to research in
nutrition epidemiology, clinical and health services, disease prevention and
health promotion, and basic nutritional science. Currently, 3,300 medical, dental
and graduate students are enrolled in programs at the Boston University Medical
Campus, and they represent a full range of geographic, cultural, ethnic and
educational diversity.
The Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences reviews applications on
a rolling admissions basis throughout the year. It is recommended that MA applicants
apply no later than February 1, 2008, particularly those who are interested
in one of the 2008-2009 Master’s Fellowship Awards. Those interested in
doctoral study are advised to submit applications by January 1, 2008. Please
apply on-line at www.bumc.bu.edu/gms
and direct questions about admissions to Michelle Hall, Associate Director of
Admissions. Her telephone contact number is: 617-638-5121 or email (natashah@bu.edu).
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Barbara E. Millen, DPH, RD, FADA
Professor of Family Medicine
Chair, Graduate Programs in Medical Nutrition Sciences
Director of Nutrition Research, The Framingham Study
Boston University School of Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
One Boston Medical Center Plaza, Dowling 5
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
617-638-4472 |