Questions about MD/MBA

[md-2020]

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Currently applying to MD schools with the intention of graduating MD/MBA (already have MPH). Quick question though: I understand that the vast majority of MBAs are acquired at the same university as my MD. But would it be possible to take a year off and pursue an MBA elsewhere? For example, if I were to end up at a medical school that doesn't have a business school connection, how would I pursue this, if at all?

 

[raiderette]

Most MBA programs are two year programs if they are not combined. Better to get the MD and decide once you ars an attending if you need it.

 

[md-2020]

I'm honestly more interested in getting an MBA sooner rather than later; for discussions sake, would good b-schools admit medical students not from their own medical school, or is that something that comes off as unlikely?

 

[Lawpy]

Currently applying to MD schools with the intention of graduating MD/MBA (already have MPH). Quick question though: I understand that the vast majority of MBAs are acquired at the same university as my MD. But would it be possible to take a year off and pursue an MBA elsewhere? For example, if I were to end up at a medical school that doesn't have a business school connection, how would I pursue this, if at all?

It's not easy but it does happen.

I am finishing up my MD at Michigan Med and my MBA at Wharton. I applied to Ross (Michigan), Harvard Business School, and Wharton. Lucky enough to gain acceptance at all three.

HBS would have required me to take two years off, while Ross and Wharton could be done in just one additional year. Also, Wharton gave me the most money, so it was definitely the cheapest option. In addition, I personally feel that Wharton's healthcare management program is the best program of its kind. Wharton requires 19 course units to graduate, so I took more credits than the average student to finish four semesters of work in three semesters. My schedule: first 3+ years at Michigan, 4th year at Wharton, 5th year fall finishing med school, 5th year spring back at Wharton.

I did a summer internship at McKinsey between 4th and 5th year, which was excellent. However, I want to do a residency, and I just matched into ortho at a great place.

I firmly believe that my med school background is the main reason I got into Wharton and HBS. Also, the MBA really set me apart in residency interviews. Many programs are looking for business-minded students who will be leaders in a post-reform setting.

I had no prior business experience, and I did have a very strong GMAT score. Do not get trapped into thinking that you have to stay at your jhome institution for business school. It can be done elsewhere, but it does require tedious planning. The support I received from Michigan Med has been incredible. PM me if you have any questions.

More here

Also this:

I'd love for others to weigh in as well. I'm starting my application process (I'm currently a rising 3rd year), so I'll share my experience so far:

Almost no one advertises that they take transfer MD/MBA candidates (the notable exception being Cornell), so you'll have to go school by school and ask. Here's my list so far:

Absolutely not:
HBS
UPenn
Northwestern
UChicago
Georgetown
Duke

Maybe:
Dartmouth
UVA

Yes:
Vanderbilt
Cornell


In addition to the fact that many schools are not open to the idea, a significant number of schools have their MD/MBA program structured so that you not only do a year between 3rd and 4th year but also do some parts of the program during the 2nd half of M4 (which is mostly vacation anyway) -- which would be nearly impossible to schedule away from your home institution. Thus, those programs are essentially a no unless your home institution is incredibly helpful/flexible.

I went ahead and took the GMAT because some programs require it even for the dual degree candidates (it's really easy... study for two weeks and take it, compared to anything medschool related it's no sweat).

If anyone at all out there has been through this before or has feedback please post and enlighten us. This is a very frustrating process to go school by school (especially since many of them give vague answers, at least at first), so any feedback would help tremendously. Thanks!

It's from 2012 though so it may be different now. Better to check schools individually.

 

[md-2020]

@Lawper thanks so much for the info! A 1-year MBA like Cornell would be terrific, especially if they count an MPH as the "advanced degree" requirement. On a different note: do medical schools generally let you take leaves to pursue out-of-house degrees?

 

[Lawpy]

@Lawper thanks so much for the info! A 1-year MBA like Cornell would be terrific, especially if they count an MPH as the "advanced degree" requirement. On a different note: do medical schools generally let you take leaves to pursue out-of-house degrees?

Only if the medical school is convinced that you have a strong business background (a good GMAT will help but probably not necessary). But it really depends on where you end up in the end, because schools are very hesitant to grant breaks to allow students to pursue other degrees elsewhere.

 

[md-2020]

Guess I better hope for a school with an MD/MBA program in place! Thanks for the info again!

 

[NickNaylor]

Only if the medical school is convinced that you have a strong business background (a good GMAT will help but probably not necessary). But it really depends on where you end up in the end, because schools are very hesitant to grant breaks to allow students to pursue other degrees elsewhere.

This really depends on the culture of the school. At my institution, for example, it would be completely acceptable to take a leave of absence for an academic activity, even if it wasn't through the parent university.

 

[md-2020]

This really depends on the culture of the school. At my institution, for example, it would be completely acceptable to take a leave of absence for an academic activity, even if it wasn't through the parent university.

Thanks for letting me know!