DO/MBA dual degree... worth it? (KCUMB)

[MIAmedica]

Hey med students,

Just had an interview at KCUMB and I am not only really excited about the school, but also the possibility of getting my MBA. I never took any type of business or economics classes in undergrad, and am wondering how I would succeed without these courses, and what the benefits are of such a degree? Most people say that it's a good supplement to running your own/group practice, hospital administration, etc.

Any comments, suggestions, and pro/con lists would be greatly appreciated!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Jrsharp70]

Pros:
Private practice: medicine is a business, be better at managing yours
Hospital: Admin jobs are a good option
Other health jobs: Lots of docs don't practice, but work in other health fields
Schedule: Program here spreads year 2 into 2 years, 1/2 med, 1/2 biz. Maybe better grades.
Alphabet soup: Lots of letters after your name always looks cool
Focus: Schools that participate typically have a strong health-care business emphasis for DO/MBA students.

Cons:
Schedule: Program here spreads year 2 into 2 years, 1/2 med, 1/2 biz. Isn't school already long enough?
Cost: OSII still costs same, just spread over 2 years. Add cost of 2 years of professional business school. Justified if your practice benefits by not going under. Justified if you get admin job. Unjustified if these don't apply to you.
Alphabet soup: Lots of letters after your name makes you look like a degree *****.

Verdict: personal goals determine value. Business classes aren't difficult, so you could probably learn very little and still get your MBA. They can also be very valuable if you actually put forth effort.

 

[TrimtheChute]

If you wait until after med school and become employed by a hospital or other company, you may be able to get tuition assistance or even full reimbursement for your MBA. My employer had tuition reimbursement so I paid very little for my MBA. Of course, I had to work and go to school so that would be something you would need to consider. It was definitely worth it for me.

 

[ProtossCarrier]

MBA is very brand dependent. Don't go to any MBA that isn't top 10.

 

[Black Adder]

MBA is very brand dependent. Don't go to any MBA that isn't top 10.

Agree with above. MBA's are like law degrees, they are not created equal. Getting an MBA from some obscure school no one's heard of won't open a whole lot of doors for you.

Don't get a degree simply for the sake of having an extra degree. Get one only if you really feel like you will utilize what you learn in the future and/or have a genuine interest in the subject matter.

 

[Packamylase]

Rockhurst University has a great brand for the MBA - it is a well-known business school, especially in the midwest.

Also, at KCUMB, the MBA and DO degrees run concurrently, so you don't have to take more time to complete the MBA. However, you do miss some vacation.

I will be a DO/MBA dual degree graduate in May and I highly recommend the program. The faculty at Rockhurst are great. Also, as I have been interviewing for IM residency programs lately, many of my interviewers just want to talk about my MBA! They love it!