MBA Value to Private Practice Groups

[MrPunctual]

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Hi, I was wondering how much value having a MBA degree would add when applying to private practice groups after fellowship. While I'm guessing it is more wishful than realistic to think that an MBA will reduce the time before one becoming a partner (which is roughly 2-5 years depending on the group??), is it safe to assume that a MBA would make me a much stronger candidate for private practice groups? Thanks!

 

[CatFactorial]

how well you mesh with the practice and overall clinical competency likely matter much more than an MBA (minimal to nil)

might be helpful if you went pharma route though

 

[gutonc]

Unless they’re hiring you to be the director, it will have no benefit at all. And they’re definitely not going to hire a fresh grad to be a medical director

I also don’t think it will have any benefit for pharma, at least an initial pharma job.

I honestly don’t think that an MBA is ever particularly useful for a practicing physician.

 

[MrPunctual]

Can't say I'm not a little disappointed to hear that's the case but it makes sense. Thanks guys!

 

[chessknt]

I'm sure it's useful if you plan to start your own practice....

 

[gutonc]

I'm sure it's useful if you plan to start your own practice....

I don't think you need an entire graduate degree to start a business.

Perhaps if you were planning to start a large MSG and not hire people with the expertise to do so, then maybe.

 

[aafisahar]

You don't pay for an MBA for the knowledge, you pay for their alumni network. The actual degree is fairly worthless.

 

[bronx43]

MBA was maybe useful 15 years ago when healthcare administration positions were wide open. These days, I’m not sure what an MBA does for a physician in any practice environment... private, academic, hospital-employed, etc. Its more or less a fluff degree. You don’t come out with any deep, practical skillset that one cannot obtain by reading a few books. If you wanted to completely switch careers then it’s conceivable a top 5 program can open some doors. But even then it’s by no means a guarantee.

 

[gutonc]

Can't say I'm not a little disappointed to hear that's the case but it makes sense. Thanks guys!

Would you be disappointed to hear that your MD degree is meaningless to a job as a contracts attorney?

 

[CatFactorial]

MBA was maybe useful 15 years ago when healthcare administration positions were wide open. These days, I’m not sure what an MBA does for a physician in any practice environment... private, academic, hospital-employed, etc. Its more or less a fluff degree. You don’t come out with any deep, practical skillset that one cannot obtain by reading a few books. If you wanted to completely switch careers then it’s conceivable a top 5 program can open some doors. But even then it’s by no means a guarantee.

Agree. My MBA was free, allowed me to take a fifth year of med school and couples match. Otherwise I am not sure what benefit it conferred

classes were very interesting and useful at the time but I’ve forgotten them by now.