Should You Get a Public Health Degree Right Now? (The Honest Answer) | The Dr. Des Show

Join The Public Health Club: publichealthclub.com With federal layoffs, dismantled programs, and a rapidly shifting funding landscape, a lot of public health professionals are asking the same question: is a public health degree still worth it? In this solo episode, Dr. Des gives a direct, no-fluff answer — and it's more nuanced than a simple yes or no. She breaks down what's actually happening with public health funding right now (hint: it's being redirected, not eliminated), how to decide whether a master's or doctorate is the right move for your specific goals, the real difference between a DrPH and a PhD, why experience beats credentials in most career paths, and how to translate your public health skills into adjacent industries that are hiring right now. If you're thinking about entering the field, going back for a doctorate, or just trying to figure out your next move — this one is for you. **In This Episode, You'll Learn** 1. Why Dr. Des still says yes to a public health degree — even in this climate — and the conditions that make it the right call 2. How to follow the money in public health funding so you can position yourself before everyone else catches up 3. The one question you must answer before choosing any degree program: master's, DrPH, or PhD 4. The real difference between a DrPH and a PhD — and why either degree can take you where you want to go 5. Why a doctoral degree without field experience won't get you the leadership jobs you're aiming for 6. How to translate your public health skills into healthcare, biopharma, and population health roles that pay more 7. Dr. Des's funding advice for PhD programs: the rule she repeats until she's "blue in the face" **Resources Mentioned** 1. **The Public Health Club** — publichealthclub.com (7-day free trial; 100+ on-demand workshops, mentorship sessions, career coach office hours, weekly RFP opportunities) 2. **Public Health Pivot Course** — inside The Public Health Club; teaches you how to translate PH skills into healthcare, biopharma, and adjacent industries 3. **Building Your Resume with AI Workshop** — inside The Public Health Club; includes a custom GPT for resume building 4. **DrPH vs. PhD Workshops** — two full workshops on demand inside the PHC featuring DrPH and PhD holders from multiple universities 5. Subcontracting to Six Figures — Dr. Des's consulting course covering how to follow the money, find contracts, and land your first client; join the waitlist at the link below **About The Dr. Des Show** The Dr. Des Show is the go-to podcast for public health career development, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Dr. Desiree "Dr. Des" Strickland — DrPH, public health CEO, and founder of The Public Health Club. **Connect with Dr. Des:** 1. Join The Public Health Club: publichealthclub.com 2. Instagram: @DesireeCourtneyJ | @the\_publichealthclub 3. LinkedIn: Dr. Desiree Strickland | The Public Health Club https://www.drdesshow.com/ https://www.publichealthclub.com/