Getting into MD/MBA program,,, difficulty?

[sugarmouse]

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Hi
So I am a science & econ major interested in pursuing MD/MBA program, and I am planning to apply next year.
After looking through admission criteria for MD/MBA program at various schools, it seems that you have to be accepted into both prgorams separately.
I'm just wondering if anyone could comment on whether it would be more difficult to get into MD/MBA program as opposed to pursuing a regular MD track. If anyone also can share their experience of this, it would be great as well.

Thanks a lot
sugarmouse

 

[NickNaylor]

I don't know of any schools that admit people to a dedicated MD/MBA program prior to matriculation. What I've seen (and how my school operates) is that you simply apply to the regular MD program and, once a medical student, later apply to the business school.

As far as competitiveness, this will obviously be school dependent. However, my understanding at interviews and how my institution operates is that as long as you can demonstrate a clear use for the MBA, you will likely be admitted (even at schools with highly, highly competitive business schools). In other words, you can't decide one day to get a MBA because your school has a well-reputed MBA program. There has to be a clear purpose to pursuing that path that makes sense.

 

[dnovikov]

So the joint degree is useful for someone who is interested in getting involved in healthcare consulting or hospital administration later on after completing residency and what not? I've always considering getting an MBA later on in life, maybe a joint program would be a good idea...

 

[safarix]

Texas Tech has a direct admit, 4 year MD/MBA program that you actually start the summer before your MS1 year. The MBA part fits in to the nooks and crannies of the schedule (like summer breaks and some evening courses I think).

As far as competitiveness goes, I've heard that it is generally no more competitive than the regular MD program is. On interview day, you'd have the normal 2 interviews with MD adcom members and an extra interview with a member of the MBA adcom. Technically, you have to be accepted to both programs in separate admissions processes, but if you get in to the MD part then you'll more than likely be accepted to the MBA part as well

 

[darkjedi]

Almost every MBA program is 'easier' to get into than the MD program. Most MD/MBA candidates first got into the MD school first and then applied for the MBA program at some point in their MD program. For most places it's practically a guaranteed acceptance, provided you show the passion.

 

[Bangersandmash]

At my school you are automatically allowed to pursue an MBA if you submit a graduate school application. It is really just a formality. All MDs are accepted to it.

My understand would be that getting an MBA would give you a better understanding of how to run your own business if you owned a private practice or surgery center or something of that nature. If you are interested in consulting/administration and healthcare policy, many schools also do combined MD/MPH programs in 5 years.

 

[TheShaker]

Is applying MD/JD the same way?

 

[whatbout2morrow]

It really depends on the school. If you are accepted MD, mid to lower tier MBAs won't be as hard to get into as upper tiers such as Wharton or Kellogg.

 

[darkjedi]

It really depends on the school. Texas Tech MD/MBA won't be as hard to get into as Penn-Wharton MD/MBA,

officially, entrance into Wharton at Penn isn't a guarantee if you're in the MD program, though most do get in

 

[whatbout2morrow]

officially, entrance into Wharton at Penn isn't a guarantee if you're in the MD program, though most do get in

LoL, you're right. For some reason, I thought that their website said that 'not many' get in. Just went back and read it and it actually says 'not all' get in.