Foolish for pursuing an MBA?

[dragomir13]

I'm currently an M4, applying for Ortho, have already finished all of my interviews and am preparing to create a rank list. At this time I am comtemplating delaying graduating for a year and pursuing an MBA. This is something that has been on my mind the past few months, and I am currently discussing this with my family. Working at the county hospital these past few months and listening to what is going on politically, has made me realize that I have a very strong interest in health policy and I feel that the MBA would provide training for understanding and implementing health care delivery in the future, allow me to better understand the business aspects of medicine, which would ultimately assist me in understanding the financial decision making, human resource management, and cost-effectiveness/ efficiency of the biomedical field. This is the route I toyed with during medical school, but rationalized that an MBA would be better after I had practiced for a few years, but now I find that tuition will be covered by scholarship. I was wondering if anyone could comment on whether or not I am making a foolish decision?

I am pretty confident that I will match into an orthopaedic surgery residency this year, so delaying graduation would require me to drop out of the match, re-do a few AIs in ortho at different institutions or possibly a different field, and reapply for the match again this fall with likely decreased odds that I would match into Orthopaedics.

am I hypomanic?

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[dragomir13]

Flindophile I really appreciate the reply.

Couple of things: Part of the reason why I'm considering his option is also because I'm not 100% committed to ortho. Having just gone through rotations in optho, anes, ER, surg onc and PRS, I've come to realize that lifestyle is much more important to me than I previously thought (the latter two probably contradicts this, nonetheless the pathology are very interesting). You have a very good point in that the I have much more to lose than to gain be dropping out of the match. But, if I'm reading your response correctly, if I'm not going to reapply for Ortho this fall, an MBA would be worth it?

Also, a degree Health policy (Health admin) doesn't appeal as much to me because from what I've read online, those programs are too limited, and don't provide enough business training.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

 

[DMBdoc]

I'm a current MD/MBA student. I would recommend (quickly) continuing to explore MBA programs, as well as talking to residency directors about the possibility of a) allowing you to complete an MBA program while in residency or b) taking time to get an MBA prior to residency. However, I believe you can't really defer a residency acceptance (true?), but you could certainly discuss the matter with program directors.

You should look into an MBA in healthcare managment. This might be the most fitting program concentration for what you're interested in (management, policy, etc.). I know it's the opinion of some to say that you can get an MBA whenever, and it's certainly true that in the business world it is typically a mid-career degree. However, in my opinion, you should get the degree sooner rather than later. You will be amazed at how applicable the things you learn in your business classes are to your clinical work. Foundations in operations management, organizational behavior, accounting, etc. will serve you well NOW...not just down the road.

It seems as though many have misconceptions about the intentions of young MD/MBAers..."you're in it for the money" or "you just care about the business side of things, not the medicine." These statements might be true for some pursuing the dual degree, but many (seemingly like you and I) have truly grounded interests in bettering the health care system and health care delivery. Whether it be in private practice, the ER, or from an executive desk, your MD will affect your business decisions and your MBA will affect your medical decisions.

I say go for it!

Flindophile I really appreciate the reply.

Couple of things: Part of the reason why I'm considering his option is also because I'm not 100% committed to ortho. Having just gone through rotations in optho, anes, ER, surg onc and PRS, I've come to realize that lifestyle is much more important to me than I previously thought (the latter two probably contradicts this, nonetheless the pathology are very interesting). You have a very good point in that the I have much more to lose than to gain be dropping out of the match. But, if I'm reading your response correctly, if I'm not going to reapply for Ortho this fall, an MBA would be worth it?

Also, a degree Health policy (Health admin) doesn't appeal as much to me because from what I've read online, those programs are too limited, and don't provide enough business training.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

 

[malchik]

If you decide to re-apply during a year in B school, you won't have to do the match. This would take some of the uncertainty out of your ortho application, the programs would probably give you offers relatively early too.

 

[Pulpal Insult]

OP, I have an MBA in Health Care management. In my opinion and its only an opinion, wait on the MBA. I decided to start and finish my MBA before starting med school. Yes, it took a lot of time. Yes, I learned an enormous amount. Yes, I will use some of the concepts when in a position of leadership within the military medical environment. However, the MBA is not going to make me a better doctor.
Another opinion, if you decide to pursue it, dont specialize, make it a general MBA. You can ask anyone with an MBA, that the industry will change dramatically over time. Yet, it does look good on a resume. If you plan on using it right away then do it. If not, wait. Enjoy your residency, your family and your new surroundings. Become a great doctor first, because those in my opinion that are good at what they do make better leaders. That to me is what the MBA is all about, to help develop you as an industry leader.
One last thing, I have no idea what you should do about your residency choice. I would like to go Ortho or EM, so for me I think I would jump on the ortho.

I hope this helps and I didnt come across like a noob.

Best of luck to you friend

I am considering a healthcare mba. What is your reason for suggesting a 'general mba' over a healthcare one? Can you please be more specific? Thanks.

 

[doctor7]

the name of the game is options. whether you realize it by now or not, you've been narrowing your scope and options in life with every additional qualification you've obtained in medicine. Having completed 1/2 my residency and sitting on an MD/MBA, I am extremely happy that I will have many options when it comes to looking for a job. I can lean towards business, medicine, location, salary or anything that happens to be important to me at that time.

 

[m3unsure]

Just do 2 years of residency first.

My roommate is Ortho, and he says the first year is rough but mostly b%tt nasty gen surg. The second year lets you get more involved in ortho so then you'll know if you can tolerate/love it or not.

Then decide and choose MBA or not. Hopefully, Hilary or Obama will make the decision easier for you in two years.

Go slavery I mean socialized medicine!!!