The Magazine For Pre-Medical Students
January/February 2021
the best
MEDICAL SCHOOLS
for the Entrepreneurial Student
+
HOW I DID IT
STARTUP STORIES
One of the Founder of Sketchy Medical Shares His Pre-Medical Story
PREMEDLIFE.COM
Candice Blacknall on Being a Medical Student and a Startup Founder
PREMEDLIFE January/February 2021
16
19
22
HERE’S WHY I PURSUED AN MD/MBA DEGREE
5 REALLY GOOD REASONS TO PURSUE AN MD/MBA DEGREE
THE POWER BEHIND HAVING A DUEL DEGREE
SANJANA VIG ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT LEAD TO THE DECISION TO PURSUE AN MD/MBA DEGREE
WHILE SOME PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SCHOOL STUDENTS MAY NOT SEE THE NEED OR THE VALUE IN OBTAINING AN MBA, THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS THAT A DOCTOR SHOULD EARN AN MBA
DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR. IN 2011, ONLY 7.7% OF MEDICAL STUDENTS WERE ENROLLED IN A DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 3
contents
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
l
Medical schools partners with buss schools to offer unique opportunities for students with startup on their minds
10
Newsbites
A few news stories in this issue: Stress among medical school applicants spike amid the Pandemic; Surge in Medical School Applicants Coined the Fauci Effect; Black doctor fired from medical school after discussing racism.
29
How I Did It
Candice Blacknail, founder of GABA, shares her experience and wisdom on earning an MD/MBA degree and building a successful startup.
22
WHAT’S INSIDE...
22
2021 Guide to Dual MD/MBA Programs
While you may feel that all that makes a student unique to acquire acknowledgment into clinical school would likewise be sufficient to dispatch a fruitful beginning up, there are a developing number of changes intended to help the pioneering desire of clinical students.
4 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
The Power of Having a Daul MD/MBA Degree
There are several advantages for students who make the decision to pursue a degree in both medicine and business. Here’s a closer look at why it’s a plus.
33
Startup Success Story
Saud Siddiqui shares talks to PreMedLife about his own pre-med journey and how Sketchy Medical created a successful learning platform for students
Digital
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During a Pandemic If you’re a pre-medical student, you cannot afford to ignore your mental wellbeing. You’re not alone and more pre-medical students need to talk about their struggles with mental health.
What’s on premedlife.com New Program Waives MCAT Requirement
The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir
8 Fears Every Premed Must Overcome
A new program called ‘Go D.O.” aims to make medical school more accessible by waiving the Medical College Admission Test
Premedlife readers get an preview by way of an excerpt from Dr. Michele Harper’s latest book and page turner.
One of the most basic human emotions is fear. It works like an instinct and is wired into our nervous system.
6 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
From the
Publisher
TAKE A BREATH. “Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, do it. Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” - Neil Gaiman Although last year is now in our rear view, it doesn’t mean that we just move forward without thinking about and acknowledging all that happened. It is important that we take this time to yes, think about our
days to come but the reality of it all is that we have no freaking idea what the future holds, and if last year didn’t all teach us this very point, then I don’t know what will. Anyone who has ever leaned into the saying about living in the present moment will truly know that the here and now is pretty much all we’ve got. There’s so much that is beyond our control and if we overly burden our minds and hearts with things that have happened in the past or moments in time that have yet to occur, it will not be good for our souls. So, as you enter another year along your pre-med journey, think deeply about how you can fully live in the moment or work towards taking time out in your super busy lives to just be present. This year, try to make it a habit of acknowledging moments in a day where you have the opportunity to just be present. We all endured an unprecedented year and looking back on losses, I think each and every one of us would have like to spend just one more moment...spending time with a loved one, thanking someone who helped you, appreciating good health. I challenge you as a pre-med, to debunk the stereotype of always being busy, being too busy to slow down, being too busy to take a break, being too busy to spend time with family and friends, being too busy to watch your favorite show, being to busy to take a nap, being to busy being busy. Let’s start to change this narrative and create a space for pre-meds to not feel like they cannot stop for a second and live in the moment. In the end, it will be good for pre-meds, good for their friends and families, and good for their future patients. So, let’s make a commitment starting this year to just be, and know that it’s okay to just be.
-Tasheema P.
Tasheema Prince Tasheema Prince Publisher @PrinceSheem tprince@premedlife.com
8 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
PREMEDLIFE the lifestyle magazine for premedical students www.premedlife.com
Founder & Publisher | Tasheema Prince CMO & Project Director | Ryley High Interns | Ihouma Otah & Christian Sitompul Find us on Twitter @premedlife Find us on Facebook.com/premedlife Here’s How to Reach Us: Kisho Media, LLC P.O. Box 10572 Rockville, MD 20849 Main (646) 571-8035 Have a Story Idea? Email us at editor@premedlife.com Want to Subscribe? Visit www.premedlife.com and sign-up to our mailing list to receive an email when the latest issue is available online Want to Join Forces? (a.k.a. Partner With Us) Email us at info@premedlife.com Advertising Inquiries? Email advertise@premedlife.com PreMedLife magazine is published six times per year by Kisho Media, LLC. and copies are provided to select colleges and universities free of charge. The information in PreMedLife magazine is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgment. Consult your pre-medical/pre-health advisor with any questions you may have about the medical school admissions process and related topics. Unless otherwise noted, all articles, photographs, artwork, and images may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission from Kisho Media, LLC. PreMedLife magazine and Kisho Media, LLC. are not liable for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. PreMedLife magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising. All inquires may be sent to: Kisho Media, LLC. P.O. Box 10572 Rockville, MD 20849 To reach us by phone call (646) 571-8035 or email us at info@premedlife.com.
P/ Newsbites STRESS
Stress Among Medical Students Spikes Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Applying to medicine has always been hard, but with the addition of COVID-19 even survey results are showing the added stress. Premed students are feeling more stressed out due to the lack of shadowing and volunteer opportunities available to them. A survey by Kaplan of 400 premeds showed:
istockphoto/Ridofranz
Kaplan’s senior director, Petros Minasi, understands that the premed track is very stressful, “It’s hard to think of an undergrad curriculum more demanding than the premed track”, she also says that when stress becomes chronic and overwhelming, seek professional help - it’s important. An AMA member, Dr. Terregino, reminds students that even though getting into medical school and being a medical student is very hard. It is not all about grades you should also work on personal development as well.
istockphoto/Prostock-Studio
- ~40% of all responses had considered dropping due to the stress of the premed process - 26% say they feel stressed “pretty much always” - 45% feel stressed “frequently” - More than half say self medicating is common between pre med peers when dealing with stress
GIVING BACK
Program Works to Alleviate Food Insecurity Among Medical Students
Students who are in health profession programs are not usually seen as those facing food insecurity, but as medical schools are diversifying the kinds of students that are being accepted new problems are coming up. A survey in 2018 by the Student Health and Wellness Center at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) showed that 1 in 4 students at OHSU experience some level of food insecurity. 1 in 5 students say that the lack of food has impacted their academic performance and has only increased due to COVID-19. This has caused academic institutions to create ways to alert students about free food. “You’re really taking away a lot of stressors… a lot of things that are holding [students] back. It allows them to put their best foot forward in class or in the lab.” - Hunter Eby, Master of science student at the University of Toledo in Ohio. At UToledo emergency funds were made available, to the larger than expected amount of students who were struggling with food, to send out certificates for DoorDash. The university hopes that with getting rid of the burden of eating more comfort will come to medical students who can put that energy on their education.
10 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
istockphoto/ Collado Photo istockphoto/Doble-d
The “Fauci effect” - the increase of medical school applications, up to 18%, during the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci is the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. With the newer visibility of science and medicine students are seeing the impact they can make. Medical deans say that because of the economic toll students are looking for higher paying careers. With extra time just being at home, it gives students the extra time they need to complete the applications. University of California, Davis medical school has seen a 40% increase in this application cycle. For 130 available seats they received 10,000 applications. Nursing schools have also seen an increase in applications, the University of Virginia has seen a 25% increase in applications. Dr. Mary McWeeny, the assistant dean of the medical school at University of Wisconsin-Madison, has contributed to the increase to a sense of national purpose. This increase is not surprising to admissions councils. Dr. McWeeny said, ‘“After 9/11 there was a huge increase in the number of young people going into the military. And now, we see a physician, Fauci nationally, and [Dr. Jeff] Pothof more locally, two physicians who are inspiring the next generation of young people to come and be part of the solution.”’ Remember that more applications do not mean more doctors, with more applications admissions councils can think about the motivation of those applying.
<<<
SURGE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS COINED THE FAUCI EFFECT
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 11
P/ Newsbites #CONTROVERSY
istockphoto/Drazen Zigic
Black Doctor Fired From Medical School After Discussing Racism
In July 2019 Dr. Aysha Khoury started her faculty position at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, California. She had thought she landed her dream job which has an emphasis on small group discussions, the decision to name the school after Tyson, the hospital’s first African-AMerican CEO who died in 2019, and the institution’s mission, vision, and val-
ues which reflected her own. During the summer with the protests against police brutality and COVID-19 disproportionately killing African Americans, Dr. Khoury was inspired by her school’s response. In late August the school encourages their professors to include racial disparities in their next lecture. Dr. Khoury’s class had a wide ranging discussion about the Tuskegee syphilis study, the
higher maternal rates of Black and Native American women, and more. It was an emotional discussion for her and her students, later that day she got a phone call from the dean that she had been suspended from teaching. Days later she learns that she was suspended due to a complaint about classroom activities that happened on her last teaching day. She has pressured the medical school
for months without a through response. The suspension had both a physical and mental toll on Khoury. Khoury documented her experincences on Twitter After 6 weeks, Kaiser Permanente reinstated Khoury to work in the clinic until February 10th, but still no word on teaching.
GETTING IN
The Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University made history this year by combining and opening the first tribally affiliated medical school in the United States. So now, medical students from across the nation can go to Osteopathic Medical School, which is paid for by the Cherokee Nation and run my OSU. “If you go back a few decades, medical care was very different. Here at the OSU medical school you can see a pipeline of doctors serving everyone in the years to
come,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. states. The school expects to graduate 50 physicians every year and plan on most of the graduates to stay in the state. The brand new school costs $40 million, it has a technology and fitness center, and everything is state of the art. A student, Caitlin Cosby, says, “It just makes me want to give back to those communities and serve people that need it here in Oklahoma.”
12 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
istockphoto/Andrei Orlov
Brand new medical school opens, makes history
P/ Admissions
Premeds Can Combine Arts Passion and Medicine Many people who are premeds also have creative outlets to express themselves. Some use those talents as hobbies, others take an academic path by majoring or minoring in the humanities. Recently there has been an increase in premeds getting a master’s degree in narrative medicine which makes it very clear that each patient has a story that goes beyond symptoms and medical diagnoses. Medical schools adore arts and humanities and admit students who thrive in nonmedical fields. Stanford University’s School of Medicine has a Medicine and The Muse program which is dedicated to medicine, arts, and humanities. Dr. Lloyd Minor, the school’s dean, says that science helps to understand the fundamentals of the body, but the arts provide a unique understanding to how we are as individuals. Healthcare and arts can combine in the following ways. Improving clinical care, music and art therapy are increasingly popular as treatments and to help patients. Becoming a physician is hard and using the arts to express yourself can help when talking to patients dealing with difficult situations. Premeds who are skillful in the arts can use their talents to advocate. By making appealing projects, they can reach out to people who would otherwise not read about the topics. Physicians and others in healthcare can combine arts to bring new powerful sources of comfort and healing.
Dr. Lloyd Minor, the school’s dean, says that science helps to understand the fundamentals of the body, but the arts provide a unique understanding to how we are as individuals.
14 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
P/ Real Stories
I PURSUED AN MD/MBA DEGREE. HERE’S WHY Sanjana Vig is a board certified anesthesiologist, fellowship director and writer at the female professional.com. She founded a Perioperative Management Fellowship program at University of California at San Diego (UCSD).
Why did you choose to pursue the pre-medical track? I was one of those people who knew early on that I’d go to medical school. I finalized that decision while in high school and then applied to combined premed/medical programs across the country. These combine programs ensure that you have a seat reserved for you in medical school. That reservation comes hand in hand with your acceptance into the premed program. (Of course, you have to maintain a certain GPA and complete some requirements to maintain that seat.) What attracted you to the MD/MBA degree? Initially, when I heard about dual degrees, I was drawn to it due to the idea that it was something different. Part of my personality is that I’m attracted to what people are NOT doing, and this fit the bill exactly. As I went through medical school, I realized that having an MBA offers alot of practical benefits. You gain a better understanding of the business side of medicine, you can converse more intelligently with administrators (who are not doctors), and it teaches you a more abstract way of thinking. What were the difficulties while pursuing an MD/MBA? Practically speaking, you have to do
some planning ahead of time with your schedule in order to accommodate the time needed for the degree. For me, I took a year off between 3rd and 4th year of medical school in order to do the one year program at my university. For others, there is the option of pursuing an executive MBA, or going back to school after you’re doing with your training. All of these require some planning from a time and tuition perspective. Otherwise, business classes, I thought, were super enjoyable. I promise that the course work is doable, especially if you’ve survived the rigors of medical school. I will mention that when I did mine, I got a lot of pushback from my fellow students. Many people in medicine don’t understand business, and they will disapprove of your efforts. However, don’t let it prevent you from pursuing this path if you’re interested. All of the attending physicians I worked with praised my efforts. So, there is value and respect on the other side of the dual degree. What was your favorite experience while pursuing this degree? My program allowed us to study abroad in Hong Kong. I thought it was great experience. Besides traveling and hanging out with my classmates on the other side of the world, we had some great lectures and met some really amazing people. Plus, Hong Kong is a financial hub. Hear-
16 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
ing about business and life their firsthand is unparalleled. What does your academic schedule look like over the next few years, especially during COVID? I currently work as an attending anesthesiologist. I’m also the fellowship director for the Fellowship in Perioperative Management. My schedule is a balance between those responsibilities. I work in Preoperative Anesthesia clinic 1-2 days per week, in the operating rooms 1-2 days per week, and I work with my fellows during protected academic time. During COVID, our hospital has decreased operating room cases in order to prevent too many hospital admission. For the most part, though, my work load is unchanged. Assuming you have any, what do you do in your free time? I love to travel (when we aren’t in a pandemic). I spend most of my free time outside of home versus in it. I also have a website that I created and run called thefemaleprofessional. com. The site is a platform that gives women a voice, empowers them to be the best version of themselves, encourages authenticity and helps with work/life balance. Writing and curating articles for the site takes up quite a bit of my time.
What kind of coursework can students expect when earning a MD/MBA? This depends on the route you take. Some programs are combined MD/ MBA programs. With those you may have to complete business classes during the summers and/or participate in projects during the semester sessions. Generally speaking, your medicine curriculum is unchanged. The MBA portion will contain a basic curriculum and a more focused curriculum. The basic includes introductory level classes in accounting, marketing, finance, management, entrepreneurship, etc. Once you’ve completed the basics, you have the option of choosing which focused classes you want to take. The topics are generally the same, but more in depth. How will an MBA help you in future practice? Conversely, how will an MD help you in your business ventures? An MBA will give you a better sense of how to run your practice. Especially if you’re in private practice, you’ll know the basics of getting yourself up and running. There is a lot of behind the scenes details that doctors are not taught in medical school That is where the business acumen will come in. For those working in academics, an MBA can help with day-to-day time and re-
What should students think about before pursuing a MD/ MBA? Have a clear idea of what you want to do with it, or what you think you’d like to do. Without some sort of plan you’ll find yourself with a degree and have no clue how to proceed. Having a plan will give you a solid starting point. However, don’t be afraid to pivot if your first plan doesn’t work out! How are the disciplines of medicine and business related? How are they unrelated? You’ll find a lot of overlap when it comes to basic human behavior. A lot of hard working individuals under both career pathways. Plus, a lot of how medicine is run (especially nowadays) is rooted in good business practices. The difference is that physicians tend to think more in a black and white, evidence based manner, while business folks tend to see things more abstractly. What are your goals when you graduate? My initial thought was to work within hospital administration. However, I quickly realized that it wasn’t for me. Now, I help run the preoperative anesthesia evaluation clinic and I developed and run a fellowship. Advice for students that are thinking about choosing this degree? Again, have a plan for what you would do with your dual degree after. It doesn’t have to be set in stone, but you should have a general idea of what you are looking to gain and do. Also, be sure that you find ways to set yourself apart. Dual degrees are
becoming more popular, however, many people are stuck in the career pathways that have been set by generations of doctors before us. Don’t be afraid to use your degree to look for ways to branch out and do something different. How did you choose your certain career path with your degree and what are your biggest accomplishments so far? I chose an MBA because I thought it offered the most all-encompassing education that can be applied to any field, even outside of medicine. I chose my fellowship in Perioperative Management by simply thinking outside the box and doing a Google search. There are all kinds of options out there, and I’m proud of myself to finding something so different. My biggest accomplishments would be the fellowship I created and my website. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to put together for both and work hard to make sure that they both are growing! What skills do you need to succeed as a joint MD/MBA student? Honestly, if you’ve made it to medical school, you’re already a good student. For the MBA portion, just keep an open mind to learning new ways of doing things and tackling problems. In addition, through your MBA program you’ll be asked to, and learn how to, network. Pay attention to that and hone those skills. They come in handy even as a physician and can make all the difference in the experiences and opportunities that present themselves to you. What is the importance of mental and spiritual wellness during med school? I can’t emphasize enough how important this is. Nothing about graduate education is easy. It’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed and scared. Know that you are not alone, and that it’s ok to ask for help. You are doing yourself a favor if you take care of your spiritual and mental health, so be sure to make it a priority at all times.
istockphoto/MarianVejcik
source management, or, for those interested, it can help fast track you onto administrative duties. If your business has to do with medicine, then an MD will make you the medical expert no matter what. If you go one to work in the industry (pharmaceuticals, consulting etc), then again you’ll be the expert to help bridge the gap between physicians and businessmen.
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 17
5
P/ The MD/MBA Dual Degree
Really Good Reasons to Pursue an MD/MBA Degree
While some physicians and medical school students may not see the need or the value in obtaining an MBA, there are several reasons that a doctor should earn an MBA. >>>
istockphoto/whyframestudio
While some physicians and medical school students may not see the need or the value in obtaining an MBA, there are several reasons that a doctor should earn an MBA.
Medicine and business are inextricably intertwined.
It is important for physicians to understand the business side of patient care to be able to provide the best care for their patients while also understanding the patient’s financial ability to afford the healthcare they need. Here are five reasons a doctor should get an MBA.
IMPROVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS. Physicians are called upon to be leaders and pillars in their communities. Whether it be setting up a community health initiative or leading a multidisciplinary clinical team, having good leadership skills is not always innate. Many lack a few of the characteristics of a good leader, which includes the ability to delegate tasks, empathy, self-awareness, & communication. Receiving an MBA teaches students how to become leaders and helps to foster those characteristics in those who do not have them. In addition to that, good leadership skills are important for career advancement in medicine and in other industries. An MBA also teaches versatility in leadership through teaching students how to handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a work setting. Gain Technical Skills. Technology has become an integral part of medicine. From the digitization of medical records to the use of IT security and the use of technology for medical billing and coding; technology has become ingrained in medical care. Without it, the essential functions in a hospital would not be able to take place. While physicians may not deal with a lot of the technology issues on a day-to-day basis, it is important to understand all aspects of careers in healthcare. This can help physicians better communicate with others and gain a better understanding of hospital budgeting and financial modeling, marketing strategies, and so much more! LAUNCH A STARTUP. Running a private practice takes skill, perseverance, and basic knowledge of business fundamentals. With an MBA you’ll gain an understanding of how to put together a sound business plan with a realistic budget and marketing plan to ensure the success of your practice. While it is possible to start a private practice without pursuing an MBA, there is a disadvantage due to the lack of knowledge about starting a business from the ground up. In addition to that, physicians who choose to pursue an MD/MBA or even go back to school to earn an MBA have the option to partake in business ventures unrelated to medicine such as creating hair and
skincare lines or other small businesses. With the knowledge to start a business, the career opportunities are endless. GET SAVVY ABOUT BUSINESS AND MONEY. Money management skills are important in all aspects of life. By learning the fundamentals of business and how to properly manage money, physicians are given an insight into how hospitals are operated. Understanding a hospital budget and financial model, can provide physicians some advantage in negotiations with the hospital board and potential investors. With this knowledge physicians can persuade board members for newer, upgraded technology or even for the employment of more physicians for their team. Also, when starting a private practice money management and familiarity with how hospital budgets and financial plans are made can help physician’s to create their own business plan for their practice. Having and understanding a model is helpful in creating a successful business plan. BUILD YOUR NETWORK. An important aspect of business is networking. We have all heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” This applies to the business world and in the medical field. While knowledge is important in the medical field, some of the best opportunities for career advancement come primarily from networking. Although physicians collaborate with each other on a daily basis, an MBA gives them a chance to diversify their networks and find those willing to invest in making their dreams and business ventures come through.
An MBA, while not necessary, is a great tool for those wanting to start a business and pursue a career in medicine. Whether you decide to pursue a MD/MBA dual degree program or decide to go back to school to earn an MBA, the knowledge gained is invaluable and a great asset to have. January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 19
P/ Feature
The Power Behind Having a Dual Degree
Dual degree programs are becoming increasingly popular. In 2011, only 7.7% of medical students were enrolled in a dual degree program. In 2017, that number had risen to 10%, with the MD/PhD option being the most popular (insert citation). While the MD/PhD still remains the most popular today, there are several other dual degree programs that med students should consider, including MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and MD/JD programs. Each program offers medical students a unique experience and opens up several career avenues in the healthcare field. Let’s start with the basics of each program and then dive into the career options available upon completion! >>>
20 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 21
P/ Feature
MD/PHD
MD/PHD - THE BASICS While being the most popular dual degree program, an MD/PhD program can also be the most daunting program for medical school students due to its length. These programs on average last 7-8 years, which is a large time commitment for even the most determined medical student. The program itself consists of two years combined medical and graduate coursework plus 3-5 years of doctoral research with a thesis. After completion of a thesis, you would then return to medical school to complete your clinical rotations that would’ve normally been done your third and fourth years. BENEFITS 1.) Many programs often waive the tuition and provide financial support for applicants pursuing this program. On average, many medical school students graduate in over $200,000 of debt. To avoid this many students choose to pursue MD/PhD programs because they are fully funded through Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP) which waives the tuition costs to students and provides them with a stipend to help cover living expenses. 2.) Gives the physician the flexibility to conduct research and see patients. Many medical school applicants aspire to help change the face of medicine through research or patient care. Pursuing an MD/PhD allows for the ability to achieve both of those goals.
MD/MPH
SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN MD/PHD? Although pursuing an MD/PhD allows for the flexibility to both conduct research and see patients; many graduates from these programs choose a career where research is the primary focus. Many pursue positions in pharmaceutical companies or academic medicine, where up to 80% of their time is spent on research. This research can be lab-based, clinical, or translational dependent upon the specialty. While an MD/PhD offers the flexibility to see patients and conduct research, many graduates from these programs are able to attain significant leadership roles across several industries. MD/MPH- THE BASICS The MD/MPH has a focus on community and population health. While its primary focus is not research, this path equips medical students with the skills necessary to understand the patient’s perspective of health and wellness. MD/MPH programs are 5 years in length and cover topics such as the ability of a patient to afford medical care and prescriptions, and aims to teach students how to implement preventative care measures into their future practice. BENEFITS: 1.) Allows you to save money. While a medical school is four years in length and a typical master’s program is approximately two years in length; by completing a dual degree MD/MPH program, you can save a year’s worth of time and tuition. 2.) Ability to choose your concentration. MPH programs have focused on several different aspects of public health. A few include Child & Family Health, Environmental Health, Global Health, and Public Health Policy. Depending on the chosen focus, an MPH degree opens up several career opportunities. SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN MD/MPH? Receiving an MPH while in medical school opens up several career opportunities. In addition to preparing you to work in a public health setting, an MD/MPH allows physicians to pursue careers in disease prevention, health education, policy making, and so much more! 22 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
BENEFITS 1.) Improved Leadership Skills. Physicians are often called upon to lead in both hospital and community settings. An MBA provides you the skill set to effectively lead a team in things such as health initiatives, or multidisciplinary clinical teams, etc. These leadership skills can also transfer over to other aspects of your life and help you to be more successful. 2.) The Ability to Open Your Own Practice. While opening your own practice can be intimidating, an MBA teaches you the fundamentals of running a successful business and money management. Many students desire to open and run their own practice; with this degree they’ll be able to confidently achieve their goal. SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN MD/MBA? Pursuing an MD/MBA gives a physician tons of flexibility with job options and business ventures. While this dual degree prepares you to potentially open your own practice and gives you the knowledge and skill set to make sound business decisions; it also allows you to pursue other business ventures in addition to medicine. This option can give you a break from the monotony of practicing medicine and allow you to pursue your other passions.
BENEFITS: 1.) Ability to practice in BOTH professions. This program allows you to practice as either a doctor or a lawyer in the healthcare field, increasing job opportunities in both healthcare and policy making. 2.) Better understanding of laws surrounding healthcare. Understanding healthcare laws and protocol is important when treating patients. Knowledge of the laws can help physician’s avoid medical malpractice suits and help prevent ethical violations. SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH AN MD/JD? Although this program is quite uncommon, the potential job opportunities are endless. A few careers involving medicine and law include being a Forensic Psychologist, a Forensic Pathologist, a Medical Legal Advisor, or a Medical Malpractice Attorney.
MD/JD
MD/JD - THE BASICS MD/JD programs are probably the most uncommon of the dual degree programs because not many institutions offer this opportunity. Unlike with the other programs, where the MCAT is the only standardized test needed; an MD/JD program also requires the LSAT. The program is typically 6 years in length, which is not quite as long as an MD/PhD, but longer than the MD/MPH and MD/MBA options. This is great option for those primarily wanting to grasp a better understanding of the laws surrounding medicine.
MD/MBA
MD/MBA - THE BASICS: While the connection between business and health may seem trivial, they are intertwined. On a daily basis, physicians make business decisions regarding medical testing and treatment. An MBA would be extremely beneficial to those wishing to start their own practice, as it equips you with the much-needed skills in how to grow and maintain a practice. The combined length of this program is also five years, similar to the MD/MPH program.
istockphoto/Kerkez
Thinking An MD/MBA Program?
Here are 3 things to consider.
P/ Feature
A
s business and medicine continue to transform in an ever-evolving global industry, preparing yourself for success as a medical student will pay dividends long after completing your graduate degree. There are countless options available to bolster students’ resumes and experiences such as adding a PhD, MPH, or other MA programs on top of an MD or DO degree, making it a difficult and sometimes overwhelming decision. One avenue that an increasing number of students are considering is completing a dual MD/MBA or DO/MBA degree. This path consists of the traditional medical school experience to provide a clinical and scientific foundation in addition to a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) to focus on management concepts such as economics, finance, marketing strategy, and more. Without being familiar with the available ways to utilize this degree combination, it may not be students’ first choice when selecting future academic paths. However, this is one increasingly popular option for good reason. There are now over 70 medical schools offering MD/MBA degrees, and several offering DO/ MBA degrees. Overall, the dual degree is completed in five years total, which cuts down on the usual
24 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
program length of two years to receive an MBA on its own. Students typically apply to the business program during their second year of medical school; however, some schools allow students to complete the one-year MBA prior to their medical school experience. Applicants may also be required to take the GRE or GMAT depending on the program requirements. Since this path is considered a dual-degree program, schools will often integrate the business curriculum to be tailored to future medical professionals more seamlessly than receiving an MBA separately from medical school. For more insight into different programs available, check out our list on page 40. Value Healthcare and business are closely interrelated in today’s world, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. Both fields intrinsically involve solving problems, whether in patients’ lives or society at large, and in our current framework this is a perfect intersection for students to aim high and make changes that will affect the way we see and use healthcare as a whole. While medical school will assuredly prepare students to save lives and manage patient care, an MBA adds an edge to prepare students to lead in a clinic or hospital, and create innovative solutions to healthcare overall. Among students currently enrolled in an MD/MBA program, students often cited “making a broader impact on healthcare” and “pursuing leadership in clinical practice” as the most important reasons for choosing to pursue an MBA on top of their medical studies. Not a lot of physicians speak the language of business, so obtaining this additional degree will open future physicians’ minds to a new way of thinking and problem solving. Furthermore, completing both degrees concurrently might help students gain a unique outlook on healthcare in addition to having a competitive edge in the beginning of their careers by using their business skills. Regardless of specialty or career choice, an MBA can benefit any physician in regards to communication and management. Because business programs teach their students to constantly look for ways of improving a given circumstance, physicians with this additional background can more easily find ways to improve efficiency in their own clinical practice while maintaining quality. It can also affect how providers interact with others, integrating a more egalitarian approach as opposed to the hierarchical structure medicine is so widely known for. According to surveys, MD/MBA graduates report higher rates of life satisfaction, which is an important factor to consider. In part, physicians bringing an MBA with them in their careers may be allowed to pursue more creative options to solve patient problems, allowing them to gain more fulfillment from their careers. Many pre-medical students pursue a career in medicine to make a positive difference in others’ lives, and an MBA may be able to add an increased sense
of autonomy for physicians seeking to solve more systematic challenges in healthcare. Additional business training will also help set graduates apart from other candidates and provide more flexible career opportunities. For instance, some graduates are able to secure management positions as their first job and are paid more for the administrative duties they are responsible for on top of their medical practice.5 Options include working with hospitals, medical group practices, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and even managing research projects.
There are a lot of variables to consider when owning a practice from hiring staff to handling finances, and having the confidence to own a business while simultaneously practicing medicine will be provided by the added knowledge. For a deeper look into even more career opportunities and success stories using an MD/MBA, check out our article on page xx.
Career Opportunities There are a great number of opportunities to find fulfillment as an MD/MBA graduate at the convergence of business and medicine. For medical students with an innate entrepreneurial spirit, getting an MBA might be a no-brainer. There is an abundance of opportunity in the in-
“Adding an MBA to the repertoire of upcoming physicians can only result in continuing to change the systems in our lives for the better.” dustry for medical devices, products, and technology to further the advancement of medicine and patient care, and an MBA will assist in making those ideas a reality. This can be done as a side project along with practicing medicine or as a sole endeavor. To help overcome the differences between administrators and physicians, many providers are choosing to steer their own careers more in the hospital administration direction. In an administrative position, physicians can make decisions regarding policies and regulations involving patient care. Having both an MD and an MBA will give physicians the credibility among clinicians and leadership to move up the chain in management and from there, the option to pursue further promotions in hospital leadership as well.9 For physicians looking into owning or co-owning a private practice, an MBA can provide the financial know-how to not only start a practice, but also run and manage it as effectively as possible.
So, Should You Get an MD/MBA? There are a lot of different reasons students choose to pursue this academic path. The career flexibility, advancement opportunities, valuable skill set, and ability to make a broader impact are all indicators of success choosing this path. A few things helpful to consider when deciding to pursue an MD/MBA dual-degree are the time, money, and business experience. An MD/MBA program typically takes five years to complete, which is one year longer than traditional medical school but one year shorter than pursuing an MBA separately before or after medical school. Depending on your career interests and goals, getting the degrees on their own to gain experience in one field before pursuing the other or in tandem may make a difference for you personally. Completing an MBA on top of medical school will add on one more year of tuition, fees, and living expenses, and may mean starting residency a year later than your medical school classmates, meaning an opportunity cost of one year’s worth of income. However, several studies have found that MD/MBA graduates tend to earn more than their MD-only counterparts and report more overall life satisfaction, so the added benefits might outweigh the costs. Following the completion of both degrees in a dual-degree program, pursuing residency immediately after might mean that students don’t fully get to utilize their business degrees until years after graduating. Additionally, having a oneyear business program might result in less time available for students to pursue business-related internships, so students might need to find a way to integrate more experience either prior to starting medical school or in their third or fourth years when medical students typically complete clinical rotations and might have some more flexibility. It is no secret that students tend to enter the medical field due to a sense of beneficence. Adding an MBA to the repertoire of upcoming physicians can only result in continuing to change the systems in our lives for the better. Considering the added perks of career flexibility and advancement, beneficial skills to apply and add value to the workplace, and the ability to make an impact, it’s no question that pursuing a dual-degree is a powerful undertaking. Student doctors take an oath at the beginning of their medical careers to be the best physicians they can be, and taking a leap to solve systemic challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers alike in an innovative way might be able to take that role to an even more valuable level.
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 25
P/ How I Did It...
THIS IS WHAT A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP FOUNDER LOOKS LIKE. Candice Blacknall, Founder on Earning an MD/MBA Degree and Building a Successful Startup
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? My journey to medicine was absolutely non-traditional and I actually think medicine initially chose me rather than the other way around. I imagined myself working as a cultural anthropologist in the early parts of my formal education. Even though my military role was combat medic (68W), I didn’t have medicine on my radar until after my first deployment to Iraq. I had always valued the community service and team driven environment of the military and the diversity and creative environment of the social sciences, but forming a career that encompassed the two was not something I considered possible. Through my overseas service as a combat medic, I discovered that medicine was an opportunity to combine these seemingly different worlds. Much like an anthropologist, when I enter a patients’ room, I am entering a world separate from my own. I have to learn their language as I assist them in devising goals for their health and mapping the route to get there using their preferred means of achieving those goals. Simultaneously, I am part of a medical community with a vested interest in improving patient outcomes and community advocacy. As a non-traditional student, I view med-
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 27
P/ How I Did It... icine through a very different lens. I think it’s one of the few careers where challenge and opportunity are perpetual roommates. The science certainly teaches you the algorithm of medicine and you gain confidence in that framework, but it’s the patients you encounter that teach you how to heal. Those are the relationships that keep you humble, motivate you to find that 25th hour in a 24 hour day or, conversely, take a break from your tasks to call your mom (a patient actually asked me when I last called). In one word, how would you describe your pre-medical years? Unpredictable Do you think you had to sacrifice a lot during your undergraduate years to get where you are now? I don’t think I sacrificed a lot. I didn’t pursue medicine as an undergrad so I was able to follow my curiosity as an undergraduate for the most part. Completing a self directed post bacc cost time and money, but I think I was able to still have experiences that refueled me even as I navigated the challenging parts of that journey What do you think best prepared you during college to be successful in getting admitted to medical school? Having a refined relationship with myself. Unfortunately, the journey to medicine can often time be all consuming. We get so fixated on the scores and the grades that we forget the most important piece in the experience is self. I took the MCAT twice. The first time I scored a 23 and the second time I scored a 498. Both were not stellar scores, 28 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
but because I had a strong relationship with who I was in addition to what I wanted to do, I did not let those numbers define my value as a person. I was able to stay grounded in my “why” and fortify my resolve to accomplish my goals. When the time came for me to interview, I was able to share not just why medicine, but also what I could contribute to the field. Ultimately, I think it’s this ability to retell my story that helped the admissions committee see the person beyond the points.
Is there anything you found out after you applied and were admitted into medical school that you wish you would have known beforehand? I wish I had known that I would need to invest in so many study tools and resources to be successful on USMLE Step exams and even in house exams. It is extremely expensive and there is a new product every year. I was truly underprepared when I made my budget during my preclinical years to pay for equipment and resources.
What is the best advice you received as an undergrad? Have as much fun as possible and make friends. Yes, you want to go to medical school and there is pressure on that journey, but you have to make time to refuel and build your tribe. The college friendships with people outside of medicine were often what kept me sane. They were what I relied upon to remind me why I started the journey and my ability to excel when my personal confidence faltered. You can’t build those kinds of relationships if you don’t take time to smell the roses every now and then
“When I sat down to prepare my residency application for a fourth year student, my worldview had shifted. I was ready to speak up, and I wanted to train in a program that wanted to train someone like me.”
Are there any courses you did not take, but wish you would have taken during undergrad? Creative writing, public speaking, and negotiations if you have them available. The personal statement is really a creative writing assignment. You’ll have to retell your story in a way that doesn’t repeat your resume/CV. Public speaking will help you gain experience and tools to speak to people you aren’t familiar with and that will help you with the nerves of interviewing. Negotiations will teach you how to construct mutually beneficial agreements with people that have different priorities and that is the fundamental skill necessary to collaborate with patients in the care and create care plans that are feasible for your patients. Do you remember how you prepared for the MCAT? What advice would you give to students preparing for the MCAT? Initially I used cram masters (or something with the word ‘cram’ in it), but I admit I only completed a portion of the series because I was also working nights as a CNA full time. The second time I used a Kaplan course provided in a summer enrichment program. Aside from studying, I’d also tell students to ask themselves “what does the MCAT mean to me?”, because what I find is that students that underperform usually do so because of test anxiety. Read Dr. Burnell’s full interview at www.premedlife.com.
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 29
P/ How I Did It...
||||||||||||||||||
|||||||||||||
“We want to make Sketchy Medical the platform students turn to.” SAUD SIDDIQUI SHARES INSIGHT ON CREATING SKETCHY MEDICAL, A SUCCESSFUL LEARNING PLATFORM FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS
My family emigrated from Pakistan and worked hard to give us opportunities. Being a doctor is a solid and rewarding career, so I picked biological sciences as my major at USC. During those premed years, I shadowed as a volunteer in the hospital and my experiences there really pushed me towards medicine. I spent time in the emergency department, where I became fascinated by the variety of cases. The high acuity cases left an impression on me, especially a cardiac arrest patient which inspired me to learn the skills to save a life.
Q&A Do you think you had to sacrifice a lot during your undergraduate years to get where you are now? During my undergraduate years, I was able to keep a balance between my personal life and school. There were a few sacrifices, like studying during the summer for the MCAT and spending my free time volunteering to gain clinical experience. The bigger sacrifices came later during medical school and training to be a doctor. I studied often and had an on-campus job. I was able to find a job that was relatively easy, which actually allowed me to finish
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 31
P/ How I Did It... my homework and study while getting paid at the same time. I also received a summer stipend for research which helped with my expenses for an MCAT class. What do you think best prepared you during undergrad to be successful in getting admitted to medical school? In undergrad, I discovered the formula on how to be accepted into medical school so I was very mindful of my goals. I kept myself prepared and on track for each step from maintaining a high GPA, to studying hard for the MCAT. I also made sure to include research in my studies and served as a clinical volunteer and shadowed doctors to gain more experience. Beyond following the formula, I believe that maintaining a balance and having unique experiences outside of medicine and school helped me differentiate myself. This is where I believe I’ve been able to grow the most as a person. Is there anything you found out after you applied and were admitted into medical school that you wish you would have known beforehand? I wish I had known that in medical school, you have such a high volume of material to learn at a much faster pace than in undergrad courses. Med students sometimes compare the information overload to trying to drink water from a fire hose, and this analogy couldn’t be more true. The initial transition to med school was a tough adjustment, which is part of the reason Sketchy was started. To tackle the new loads of information we were required Whatever you set to learn, my co-founders and your mind and time I began creating sketched stoto, you will excel at. ries to distinguish and memorize similarly named viruses And, what you pick for our Microbiology course, doesn’t necessarily which led to building out the matter, as long as you idea and sharing it with others, and Sketchy was born. like it, whether it be
in medicine or not. What is the best advice you received as an undergrad? The best piece of advice I received in undergrad came from an anesthesiologist who I was shadowing. He told me, “Whatever you set your mind and time to, you will excel at. And what you pick doesn’t necessarily matter, as long as you like it, whether it be in medicine or not.” Another important piece of advice was to apply early to med school, which enabled me 32 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
to set up an action plan and get ahead of my studying for the MCAT. Do you remember how you prepared for the MCAT? What advice would you give to students preparing for the MCAT? I studied for the MCAT in the summer after my sophomore year. I’d go to a MCAT class in the morning nearby, then take a bus to USC’s research campus for my research engagement, and study again in the evening. I would tell other students who are preparing for the MCAT to set a schedule, stick to it, and carve out the necessary time outside of the school year to get it done. I also think it’s extremely helpful to study with friends. I went to class with my roommate and we did our research together, having someone else to push through the challenges with can make it a much more enjoyable experience. Most importantly, don’t let it scare you. Make a plan, follow it, and knock it out on time. Don’t let yourself keep moving the goal post, as I’ve seen some people push it off and never have the opportunity to be fully prepared for the exam. Did you pursue the MD/MBA track? If yes, why did you choose to pursue an MD/MBA degree? I did not, but I did take classes in the business school as an undergrad and pursued a minor in entrepreneurship. Are there any courses you took while pursuing your degree that have been particularly helpful with starting/running Sketchy Medical? There are a few classes I took that I believe have been helpful with starting and running Sketchy. In undergrad, I took an Intro to Entrepreneurship class, where alumni guest speakers who had gone on to build their own companies came in to talk to us. It opened my eyes to a new perspective that gave
How did you come up with the concept for Sketchy Medical and get started? Sketchy was born in 2013 out of the real-life problem my co-founders and I encountered while preparing for our own board exams. The information overload that medical students are required to learn is likened to drinking from a fire hose, and many of the concepts don’t make sense on their own. Seeking a new better way to study the mass amount of information, we began creating sketched stories to distinguish and memorize similarly named viruses. When we realized the power of it and the ability to put it online in a form that could be shared globally, it was too good of an idea to just keep it to ourselves. We didn’t start out trying to create a company, but the demand for the content grew, and we wanted our sketches to help fellow students. Together, the four of us personally invested $3,000 and built an educational tool for fellow medical students, while still in school ourselves. How did you grow your following? Sketchy first organically began to gain its following by word of mouth from student to student. Then, we designed a website landing page, and slowly gained subscribers through groups of med students talking about Sketchy on Reddit. Today, Sketchy has over 30,000 subscribers.
>>>
me encouragement and the sense that I could go on to do this myself one day. The founder of Kinkos, Paul Orfalea, ran an elective class that really fascinated me as well. We would have dinner as a group once a week to discuss entrepreneurship and he brought in amazing guest speakers. I also gained business concepts and skills from courses in marketing, business law, and organizational behavior. These classes gave me some basic business knowledge that I have carried with me throughout my career. The part-time jobs and student clubs I participated in during undergrad also prepared me for building Sketchy. I learned how to design and build websites as part of my work-study job for the campus office of religious life. I was also President of our campus’ Muslim Student Union, where I learned leadership skills and refined my public speaking.
Parting Words If you have an idea that you believe in, do it. It may succeed, or it may not, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you will learn something new while trying to make it happen. There are so many tools out there now, especially for digital startups, that can enable you to accomplish a lot with less time and effort. Have a variety of experiences and surround yourself with a mix of people to open your mind to new possibilities and opportunities. Also, become involved with your business school, whether that be through a double major, minor, or clubs. Intern or work part-time at a startup, to experience business and entrepreneurship first hand.
For the full interview, visit www.premedlife.com. January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 33
P/ GETTING IN
WHAT MY MD/MBA PROGRAM IS REALLY LIKE We asked current MD/MBA students at Tufts University School of Medicine what the program is like. Here’s what they said... What can applicants do to set themselves apart?
Delaney Johnson, MD/MBA 2024
Follow your passions and interests, even if they are on a “non-traditional” path to medical school. While there are general application requirements (e.g., coursework, MCAT, etc.), there is also a lot of time and space on the application to show off your activities and experiences that are unique and really highlight your passions. If you want to do a non-science major in your undergraduate program, hold a non-traditional job or experience before medical school, start a business or club, or participate in groups like athletics or debate, go for it! Your passions become clear on paper and during interviews and show purpose, helping set you apart compared to doing activities simply to check boxes. What two things would you tell them that they had to do to maximize their admission chances and what two things would you tell them to avoid at all costs?
Billy Nicholson, MD/MBA 2024
These thoughts are framed around the goal of doing what would be best for students/applicants as human beings. 34 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
Applicants experience considerable pressure and anxiety during the application process since it is an intimidating, prolonged, mysterious, and uncertain period that demands considerable attention, energy, and resources from applicants. Additionally, it can feel like quite a bit is at stake. Two things to do: Have faith in their inherent value as human beings and then honor that worth in others. Sometimes applicants will feel as if they need to be something other than they are in order to get into medical school. Yes, certainly, there are activities that will help you get an understanding of if it’s the right path for you, but ultimately, the most special thing that we can bring to a school community is ourselves. Vitally, students should also be aware when social forces infringe upon or oppress the humanity of others, and they should strive whenever possible to create a world that honors and does justice by all humans. Students should continuously check in with themselves to attend to their well-being. Applying to medical school is a major effort with significant consequence, so students should, as best they can, listen to themselves, attend to their needs, seek help when it would be helpful. What soft skills do you believe are key for anyone pursuing a career in medicine? Caroline Liang, MD/MBA 2024 One of the benefits of pursuing a career in medicine is the variety of specialties that one can pursue. Different specialties attract different types of people, so there is no one single skill set that is key to all. That said, certain soft skills are often predictors of success within a medical career, such as intrinsic motivation, adaptability, resilience, and communication. Having the drive to pursue opportunities can help an applicant gain entrance to medical school and land a residency. Being flexible and adaptable ensures that you can navigate around challenges. Being able to speak effectively and to listen to patients and colleagues can lead you to becoming an effective physician. READ MORE RESPONSES @ PREMEDLIFE.COM.
P/ LET’S DISCUSS
HERE’S WHAT STUDENTS SAY PURSUING AN MD/MBA DEGREE IS REALLY LIKE (ACCORDING TO REDDIT) Q: Could any of y’all who have gone through this route/ are currently tackling this give me some insight?
istockphoto/ jacoblund
You should think about what you would accomplish and how your future path may look different and compare that to your opportunity cost (more tuition, delaying a year of attending salary, etc). if the MBA is free (which usually is not) and at a reputable school, yeah, it could be a good idea. If you are thinking of a super competitive specialty, then yeah, it could even make sense to do an MBA year and integrate it with a a networking/research year to strengthen your residency application. If you are not thinking of a competitive specialty, and the B school is not reputable, or if going to be really expensive, I would consider waiting to possibly match into a residency lets you pursue an MBA (there’s not a lot, i think Brigham and U chig internal meds do) or once you are attending the hospital may cover the tuition for an executive MBA.
36 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
Additionally, what would you gain from an MBA? That’s probably the most important question. Could you do what you want to do without an MBA?
Does an MBA actually get you closer to your future goals? Most career options are very much open even without an MBA with your terminal MD degree. I’m sure you already have basic business and finance acumen from your classes, so would you really gain much with an MBA degree education-wise? But even if you don’t have a clear answer, an MBA may still be worth it for what you could possibly accomplish with a gap year for residency itself if the cost/ benefit ratio makes sense for you. If you could choose after pre-clinical years or choose after clinical years, I would choose after clinical years. Currently in an MD/MBA program. Main things you should probably keep in mind:
Career goals. Are you interested in getting into clinical leadership, healthcare administration, consulting, insurance, etc.? Having an MBA can accelerate your ability to access those career paths. Cost/Reputation. Is your business school great, good, or nothing special. A significant portion of the value of an MBA is the brand recognition and alumni network. HBS/ Wharton/Stanford/UChicago etc. will be ridiculous in any field. Vanderbilt, Fuqua, Tuck, Haas an several others are extremely well regarded in healthcare beyond their baseline reputation for excellence. Interest in academic research that an MBA is helpful for. If you want to practice in academics and do innovation or systems-based research an
MBA can actually be quite helpful in exposing you to useful research methodologies. MBA in med school vs. MBA in practice or residency. This sub and SDN love to talk about how “your employer will pay for your EMBA” but that is not really true all the time. Additionally, traditional MBA can be very helpful as a career accelerator, and getting it early in your career can open doors throughout your subsequent training. Also consider the opportunity cost of going BACK to school vs. staying in school another year. For me, as I know I want to do healthcare administration, it was a no brainer to do an MBA now, but if you aren’t sure what you will do with the degree it may be better to wait.
istockphoto/Poike
P/ DIRECTORY
YOUR GUIDE TO MD/MBA DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> WHILE YOU MAY FEEL THAT ALL THAT MAKES A STUDENT UNIQUE TO ACQUIRE ACKNOWLEDGMENT INTO CLINICAL SCHOOL WOULD LIKEWISE BE SUFFICIENT TO DISPATCH A FRUITFUL BEGINNING UP, THERE ARE A DEVELOPING NUMBER OF CHANGES INTENDED TO HELP THE PIONEERING DESIRE OF CLINICAL STUDENTS. Honestly, the MD degree joined with an MBA degree is quite possibly the most flexible qualification in the realm of advanced education. In the course of the most recent 20 years, the quantity of MD/ MBA programs has expanded fivefold. There is no lack of exceptionally effective medical care new companies driven and supported by MDs. And keeping in mind that there are doctor business people who don’t finish MBA programs, there is no lack of profoundly fruitful medical care new companies driven and supported by MDs. Normally, students who are seeking after vocations in medication need to help individuals have an effect in the existence of their patients or in the realm of examination. A portion of these students follows their enthusiasm to do useful for others through their obligation to their patients or their examination endeavors. Others see things somewhat better and eventually are headed to “begin something.” The number of clinical students going to double degree MD/MBA projects to set them up for taking on innovative jobs proceeds to rise and the interest for programs that offer students the chance
38 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
to seek after the business side of things is consistently developing. Regardless of whether it’s to improve handling around the business side of medication or to get ready for building up their own endeavor, students would now be able to look over a few MD/MBA programs across the US, as indicated by the Relationship of MD/MBA Projects. Also, MD/MBA graduates detailed generally inspirational mentalities towards their preparation and frequently noticed the advantages of vocation speeding up, and proficient adaptability, as per a new report driven by analysts at the Perelman Institute of Medication and the Wharton School at the College of Pennsylvania. “Our discoveries may have critical ramifications for current and future doctor chiefs as the scene of medical services change will probably expect pioneers to have a superior harmony between clinical consideration and business sharp. Graduates with MD and MBA preparing might actually fill this cooking need inside the area.” coming up next is a rundown of MD/MBA programs - yet an extraordinary project. Among the schools recorded, you’ll discover those which offer practitioner training as well as have united with probably the most remarkable and recognized enterprising projects in the country. From perceived enterprising pennies and uncommon gatherings to educational program specializations in a business venture and marketable strategy rivalries, the accompanying schools make our rundown of the top schools to consider in case you’re pre-prescription pondering turning into a doctor business visionary. >>>
RICE UNIVERSITY
Jones Graduate School of Management This 5-year program offers business courses for students who want to have the choice of turning into a business person by either beginning another endeavor or buying a current business. Explicit courses think about innovative freedoms in biotechnology and life sciences. Students have the alternative to take courses in overseeing the development, building up a strategy, and investing. Students go through the initial three years of taking courses at the clinical school right now when they apply for the MBA program. One and a half years are spent at the Jones Graduate School of Business and cover throughout the late spring of the fourth year of studies.
BOSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Questrom School of Business This 5-year program is intended for students who are explicitly inspired by the business parts of medication. As per the school's site, beneficiaries of this degree for the most part plan to rehearse medication, however, have long-haul innovative or executives intrigues that they need to seek after all the while with, or resulting to, their clinical vocations. The school has an Entrepreneurship focus which advances the powerful utilization of information and abilities acquired from an MBA in making an incentive in a pioneering adventure. All students are needed to finish a 400-hour summer temporary position in a wellbeing area association, regularly done in the students' last year at the School of Medicine.
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
Weatherhead School of Management With this dual degree program, students can become a board certified physician and want to gain leadership skills to be able to manage the business side of healthcare. Getting both degrees at the same time can help students save money instead of getting the degrees separately.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS Columbia Business School Getting this degree is for those who want a career as a hospital executive, healthcare system CEO or a dean or char at a medical school. Students start the MBA program the January after the clinical year of the MD. Students must take the first two MBA terms continuously then can continue into a third term or return to medical school and finish the MBA in the spring. A separate application is required for both the MD and for the MBA.
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Creighton College of Business This 5-year combined MD/ MBA program is offered through Creighton University’s School of Medicine and the Creighton College of Business. The MBA degree is largely completed during a yearlong absence from medical school. Students in the program complete the MBA curriculum as full-time students between the second and third years of medical school. Prior admission to medical school and the MCAT score implied by that admission is accepted in lieu of a GMAT score submission for this program. One hallmark of the program is its flexibility - as long as students take at least 15 credits during their year-long absence from medical school between years 2 and 3, they can complete the remaining 14 hours for the MBA degree in a number of different ways. This flexibility will give students the opportunity to work at jobs or internships, conduct research, and engage in other activities that enhance their practical experience.
Through this MD/MBA program students have the opportunity to delve deeper into bioscience entrepreneurship courses such as Technology Commercialization and Bioscience Entrepreneurship.
DARTMOUTH MEDICAL SCHOOL
Tuck School of Business This 5/6-year combined MD/ MBA program is offered by Dartmouth Medical School and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. The MD/MBA degree offers students diverse career opportunities in areas such consulting and entrepreneurship. The five year program is tightly scheduled to allow further medical training or accelerated progression into a career, saving one year’s tuition. The six year track allows students to experience the full impact of both programs, including the Tuck Summer Internship Program. Course work with the program is individualized and determined by the student, with guidance from the MD/MBA directors. Educational plans vary, though students typically spend the first three years at Dartmouth Medical School, acquiring a thorough grounding in the basic sciences in the classroom and laboratory, and intensive clinical training at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The fourth year of the program is spent at the Tuck School of Business, where the school’s innovative core curriculum provides training in the broad integrative skills that are the hallmark of organizational leadership. In the fifth year, students complete their medical clerkships and required courses, as well as electives for both schools, integrating the experience of the previous four years and applying it to areas of their own special interest. For students who have chosen the sixyear option, years five and six are
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 39
P/ DIRECTORY divided between medical school and business school, which allows the student to participate in the Tuck Summer Internship Program, as well as spread their electives out between the two schools.
DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Drexel University LeBow College of Business This joint degree program is geared towards addressing the growing need of physicians to have the business skills for managing corporate medical practices, hospitals and related organizations, as well as contribute to health policy development. The Institute connects students to funding and legal resources and is designed for students to provide the infrastructure they need to get things done. Additionally, students have access to incubation space, accounting and tax resources, and help to secure
funding. What’s more, mentors are available to meet with any Drexel student and companies incubating in Baiada are also assigned a dedicated mentor that provides personalized support throughout the venture development process.
DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Fuqua School of Business Created in 1999, Fuqua’s Health Sector Management (HSM) Program was created and now ranks among the top health industry business school concentrations in the world. In addition to HSM, students have the option to complete the Entrepreneurship & Innovation concentration which involves a broad set of electives and includes one course that provides hands-on experience.
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY - BRODY
ECU School of Business This program is for students who want to gain the necessary skills to integrate medicine and business. Students end up taking 14 classes instead of the 18 classes. Medical students at any medical school can enroll for the MBA at the ECU School of Business. Most students qualify for a GMAT waiver so there is no need for another entrance exam. This program is available to practicing physicians as well.
EMORY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Goizueta Business School During this five year dual degree program, four years are spent mostly at the School of Medicine. Students go to the Goizueta Business School after the clinical block of the medical school curriculum. Students get two options for getting the MBA. A two year program where you start in the fall or the one year option where the students start in the summer. MD/MBA students must complete three semesters in residency, 50 credit hours that include two global requirements, and a study project in which the topic bridges the two fields.
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
McDonough School of Business Students must apply to each school and be admitted individually, it’s recommended that a student apply to the MBA program before entering the school or in the first year. THe first three years are spent entirely at the school of medicine. During the fourth year, students want to go into the school of business and then the fifth year is a mixture.
HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
Harvard Business School The Harvard Medical School and Harvard Business School established this 5-year program in 2005. It is designed to educate prospective leaders of a wide range of healthcare organizations, such as those that finance and deliver health services as
40 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
well as those that develop and market pharmaceutical, medical devices, and other health-related products. Specifically, the program requires a course called “The Entrepreneurial Manager” which “addresses the issues faced by managers who wish to turn opportunity into viable organizations that create value, and empowers students to develop their own approaches, guidelines, and skills for being entrepreneurial managers.” Then in the fifth year, students can choose from elective curriculum courses including but not limited to: Entrepreneurship and Global Capitalism, Entrepreneurial Leadership in Creative Industries, and Entrepreneurship and Technology Innovation Education.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Kelley School of Business For students who want to have medical training with a great understanding of economics, finance, marketing, and management of the healthcare system. The medical training is completed for two years before integrating with the School of Business. 42 credit hours are completed for the MBA and four years at the School of Medicine. The MCAT and GMAT must be completed and admitted for each program.
THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY - SYDNEY KIMMEL MEDICAL COLLEGE
Widener University School of Business Administration In this dual degree program the student earns a MD/MBA-HCM (healthcare management). It is truly for physician- leaders who want to change the face of healthcare. Students must firstly apply to the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and get accepted, after they apply for the MBAHCM and MCAT scores can be used in place of the GMAT.
KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Marshall School of Business
This 5 1⁄2 -year combined MD/ MBA program is offered by the Keck School of Medicine and the Marshall School of Business. Students admitted into the program begin a year of core MBA courses following the successful completion of the first two years of medical school. During the last two and a half years of this dual degree program, students participate in their clinical clerkships at Keck School of Medicine, and students will get the opportunity to take elective courses at the Marshall School of Business which offers a wide range of entrepreneurial-related courses.
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Citadel’s School of Business This five year program is combined at two schools. The MBA coursework is completed during the summer between the first and second year of medical school. There will be a year in between the third and fourth year of medical school that will be fully spent doing the MBA work.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HUMAN MEDICINE
Eli Broad College of Business Students that get both a MD/ MBA will help students make decisions that can help both patients and healthcare operations since they see both sides through their application. Getting the MBA will be a combination of both online and in person classes. Students have two options
to complete their dual program. Option one is the first year consisting of MBA classroom work and both the second and third year completing MD coursework. The fourth and fifth years have the students completing the MD while completing the MBA online. Option two is completing the first two years as an MD and then MBA work in the third year, while the fourth and fifth years are working on the MD while completing the MBA is done online.
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Stern School of Business This 5-year program is an immersive program where students enrolled in the program spend the first three years at NYU School of Medicine. The summer of the third year through the spring semester of the fourth year, students spend their time at NYU Stern to pursue MBA coursework. Then students return to the medical school for the summer and fall of their fifth year, followed by a final semester at NYU Stern in the spring of the fifth year. Students who pursue the MD/MBA degree take 9 less credits than if they were to complete the stand-alone MBA. In addition, students can take advantage of the credit-sharing benefits of the program which allows them to receive credit for certain aspects of the medical school curriculum. Another nice benefit for those applying to the MD/MBA program is that the GMAT or GRE, which are normally required for the MBA program, is waived and
applicants need only complete the MCAT to be considered for the program. All MBA electives and specializations, including Entrepreneurship and Innovation which offers courses like Business Start-Up Practicum, Entrepreneurial Finance, Marketing for Entrepreneurs, and New Venture Financing, are available to MD/MBA students.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Kellogg Graduate School of Management This dual degree program prepares students to become an “influential leader” in the healthcare industry. Students apply during their third year at the medical school. Kellogg School of Management helps students build a wide range of network connections.
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Fisher College of Business Graduates of this program will be able to apply their degree in private practices, hospitals, consulting firms, and more. Students do not apply for the MBA until after completing the Step 1 exam. The third year is spent getting the MBA, fourth year doing third year MD rotations. The fifth year is spent doing a combination of both programs.
PENN STATE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Smeal College of Business In December 2013, the Smeal College of Business and the Penn State College of Medicine admitted its first student to the newly developed MD/MBA program. For the program, students spend the first three years at the College of Medicine to complete the standard medical school curriculum. Then during the fourth year, students move to the Smeal MBA Program to participate in the standard first-year MBA curriculum. The fifth year consists of a mix of both business and medicine. Aside from the standard MBA curriculum, the school has an open-enrollment program called Launch Pad: Mastering the Essentials of Business Start Up, which is designed for individuals with the desire to start their own business or those who wish to be in a position to advise others. The Launch Pad is a two-day program, taught by faculty leaders who are experienced, accomplished entrepreneurs in their own right.
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
John Cook School of Business This dual degree program includes a study abroad where
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 41
P/ DIRECTORY students will study on foreign-based business cases, visit some local companies, and be at guest lectures. Students will apply after the second year of medical school and then start after the third year. The fourth year is at the business school and fifth year at the medical school.
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Fox School of Business and Management Students complete this dual degree program by enrolling in online business classes any time during medical school. It is completed in four years and tuition scholarships are available. A one week orientation happens on campus to help with networking. Each of the online classes are completed in five weeks with a live web conferencing class on Thursday evenings.
TEXAS A&M COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Mays Business School Part of the MD Plus Program, a five year program for students that want to add to their medical careers and want to become leaders in their fields. There are two options for completing the program, taking the master’s program during the first year or in between the third and fourth year.
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER
Texas Tech College of Business Administration Officially called the Health Organization Management
(HOM) joint degree program and can be achieved within four years. Students can specialize within the MBA or just take core skills in the business curriculum. The HOM concentration has five classes that must be taken in order. HOM internships are available during the summer and fall semesters, fellowships are available for graduates. An accelerated program is also available.
TUFTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Northeastern University College of Business Administration and Heller Graduate School at Brandeis University The Tufts MD/MBA program is one of the oldest and largest MD/MBA programs in the country with the program’s inception in 1994. Unlike most dual degree programs, this program is integrated to make sure you finish both degrees in 4 years. Students do however occasionally take a fifth year to do research in business or management if they so choose. When it comes to entrepreneurial opportunities, the third year of the program entails students taking a Entrepreneurship Boot Camp course which is designed to provide an intellectual and practical framework for combined degree MD/MBA students interested in exercising their entrepreneurial energy to solve problems in healthcare and will explore the process of launching a new venture, particularly in the healthcare sector. The MD/ MBA program also organizes weekend get-togethers such as the Tufts 3-Day Startup Med-
START events.
TULANE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
A.B. Freeman School of Business This 5-year combined MD/MBA program is designed to train physicians with expertise in management practice and principles, expertise in marketing practice and principles, and expertise in financial management. Students in the program save a year of training when compared to getting both degrees separately. In addition, scholarships are available for qualified MD students who pursue the additional MBA degree. Accepted students spend the fourth year of the program in the Freeman School. The 5th year of the program is divided between the medical school and the Freeman School. Although not specific to the health care sector, students in the combined program are able to use their clinical experiences gained from their third year of medical school to effectively participate in teams formed as part of the business curriculum. Students have the opportunity to take elective courses in the Freeman School to further their education in areas of entrepreneurship. The School of Business offers a variety of courses for students of entrepreneurship, including but not limited to, Management of Technology and Innovation, Negotiations, Social Entrepreneurship, and New Venture Planning.
UMDNJ_NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL
Rutgers Business School For medical students who want to have a background in how to relate with healthcare management. Students must apply for the MBA before matriculation into the medical school or during the first year. Students are required to take the GMAT and apply separately.
UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES University of Buffalo School of
42 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
Management This five-year program leads to both an MD and an MBA degree. In addition to the 27 hours of core courses, students in the program complete 18 hours of MBA electives. The school offers an array of opportunities for entrepreneurs through innovative programming and strategic partnerships including the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Allstate Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurs program, and the Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition.
UNIVERSITY FOR ARKANSAS
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Business School Starting in 2005, the MD/MBA program was completed in five or six years. Before attending this program the student must meet with both the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Medicine and Graduate Studies in the College of Business.
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona The Eller College is home to the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, a recognized leader in entrepreneurship education designed to give students the tools needed to launch an enterprise or innovate from within an existing company. The program is five years in length with the first two years in the UA College of Medicine, the third within the Eller College of Business, and the final two years at the UA College of Medicine with a continuing connection to the resources and classes at the Eller College of Management. The Eller College is home to the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship, a recognized leader in entrepreneurship education designed to give students the tools needed to launch their enterprise or innovative idea. MD/ MBA students are offered electives such as Industrial Analysis and New Venture Development, New Venture Finance, Planning
mercializing Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Finance and Private Equity.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
of New Ventures, and Social Entrepreneurship.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA IRVINE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The Paul Merage School of Business Students in the program complete a five-year combined curriculum leading to an MD from the UC Irvine School of Medicine and an MBA from the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Healthcare-related courses previously offered at the business school included: Healthcare Entrepreneurship: From Physician to CEO which is a course structured to build business development skills to create and manage a medical practice or a science-based enterprise and Development of New Ventures in Healthcare Services which is designed to introduce students to the process of developing a medical services company. The business school is also home to the Don Beall Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship which serves as the hub of thought leadership in the important science of innovation management.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - LOS ANGELES SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Anderson School of Management The MBA/MD program allows current UCLA/UCR/Drew MD students to participate in a combined 5‐year program.
Students successfully completing the program will be awarded both the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the MD degree. The core goal of the combined MBA/MD Program is to create educational opportunities for students to become effective “bilingual” leaders in both clinical and business environments. Students in the program have the opportunity to choose from several advanced electives that focus on entrepreneurial or emerging ventures. These courses include venture initiation, small business management, financing emerging enterprises, and business plan writing. In addition, the school has an entire center dedicated to entrepreneurial studies; one that is a recognized leader in entrepreneurial education and research, oversees all teaching, research, extracurricular, and community activities related to entrepreneurship at the Anderson School of Management.
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRITZKER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
University of Chicago Booth School of Business Students complete the first two years of medical school before taking a year long leave of absence to pursue full-time course- work at Chicago Booth. Following the year of full-time MBA work, students return to the medical school for their
clinical clerkship year. During their fourth and final year of the MD degree, students take electives at both the Pritzker School of Medicine and Chicago Booth. Among the 14 concentrations offered by Chicago Booth is Entrepreneurship which offers a curriculum designed to integrate all business areas including marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. From New Venture Strategy to Commercialization Innovation, students will have the option to take courses that address their individual interests. Chicago Booth’s entrepreneurship curriculum integrates all business areas including marketing, finance, operations, and strategy, and takes students beyond the classroom, allowing them to test themselves in real-world settings. Students have the option of taking courses that address individual career choices. Sample courses include: New Venture Strategy, Com-
University of Central Florida College of Business Administration For students who want to combine medicine and management skills that will help them expand their career possibilities in healthcare including medical research and private practice. During the third year, after the first two years at medical school, is spent earning the MBA. The fourth and fifth year are spent completing the medical school third and fourth year curriculums.
UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
University of Connecticut School of Business The Doctor of Medicine program is offered at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Usually, students complete the first two years of study in the School of Medicine, enroll in the full time MBA program for the third year, and then return to the Health Center to take electives in both the School of Medicine and the MBA program. MD/MBA students are required to complete 42 credits in the MBA program. As a full-time participant in the MBA program, students have access to UConn’s Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation which offers many programs including, Business Plan Competition, Startup Weekend Storrs, seminars, and mentoring services.
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE University of Louisville College of Business This program is designed to prepare students whether they involve managing their own practice or developing
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 43
P/ DIRECTORY and marketing discoveries and medical devices. “Combining a second degree with medical education helps to experience health through the lens of diverse disciplines including the humanities, business, policy, public health and other diverse disciplines.” What’s more, the College of Business was selected as the National Model MBA Entrepreneurship Program and their programs in entrepreneurship are regularly ranked among the best. The school’s Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship offers a suite of programs that are designed to develop and nurture entrepreneurial skills, experiences, and opportunities. The nationally ranked Entrepreneurship MBA gives students training to launch new businesses. The 20-month program is ranked #18 among the best Entrepreneurship MBA programs in the country. Additionally, students who are accepted into the Entrepreneurship MBA program by the priority deadline receive a $1000 scholarship.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MEDICAL SCHOOL - TWIN CITIES
Carlson School of Management The MD/MBA Dual Degree program was developed for students who have already been enrolled in the University of Minnesota MD Program. This program serves students who wish to earn an MBA degree as well as their MD. Students apply to the Full-Time MBA Program during fall of their second year of medical school, but do not begin the MBA program until the fourth year of this five-year dual degree program. Both degrees are completed in five years. To complete in this time frame students carry a very demanding course load. After acceptance into the dual degree program, students meet with both their MD and MBA advisors to be sure that their study plan satisfies both degree requirements. While the dual degree MD/MBA enables students to complete the two degrees in a shorter time frame than they would if the
degrees were pursued separately, it does not diminish the cost or number of credits required for each program. MD/MBA graduates go on to working in healthcare entrepreneurship and new device development, pharmaceuticals, and direct care in professional settings. They also become key advisors in policy and government, able to balance the concerns of individual health needs and organizational and institutional constraints.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL
Stephen M. Ross School of Business The MD/MBA Program is a fiveyear integrated program. Students accepted into the Program will spend their first three years in Medical School, completing the M1, M2, and M3 course work. These students will then matriculate in Michigan’s Ross School of Business complete the full first year MBA course load as their fourth program year, and complete an MBA summer internship, if desired, between the fourth and fifth program years. In the fifth year, students will spend one semester completing the MD requirements, and the other semester completing the MBA requirements. The business school offers a variety of entrepreneurial -related electives including, but not limited to, Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship via Acquisitions, New Venture Creations, and Entrepreneurial Management.
THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PERELMAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania This 5-year combined MD/ MBA program is offered by the Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. While the majority of students who matriculate in the MD/BA program enroll in the Health Care Management major at Wharton, other
44 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
majors like Entrepreneurial Management, are also available. The Entrepreneurial Management major provides MBA students with skills, analytical tools, perspectives, and experiences that prepare them for careers as autonomous entrepreneurs, family-business entrepreneurs, or entrepreneurs in corporate settings. Whether a student wants to start a business while in school, join an emerging business, or set the ground-work to launch a new firm later in his or her career, the program aims to provide preparation for all of these exciting options. The program combines theory with practice, providing students the opportunity to test the theories, models, and strategies learned in the classroom by creating real business plans, working on other field projects, and gaining access and insight from leaders in the entrepreneurial business community.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWERSTERN MEDICAL SCHOOL University of Houston-Clear Lake School of Business In this program, the first three years are spent in medical school and a year is taken off to complete the MBA. Students can select to get their MBA in either on business skills, finance, reimbursement or operations. Additional seminars are made to emphasize softer skills that will help them succeed in business.
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Owen Graduate School of Management Vanderbilt’s joint MD/MBA
program seeks to equip innovative physician-leaders with an interwoven expertise in both management and medicine to help achieve those future imperatives. The joint MD/ MBA degree takes five years to complete, a savings of one year compared to the length of time required to earn the two degrees separately. Students spend their first three years in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. They then enroll in the Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management for year four and take courses in both schools in year five. Vanderbilt MD/MBA graduates may pursue a broad array of career paths, including entrepreneurship.
WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY
The Johnson School of Management at Cornell University This 5-year program offers students the option of earning an MBA degree in 12 months and is designed for students who want to pursue a career in medicine and business, preparing them for leadership roles in major health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and other health-related businesses. Students who will receive a dual degree will begin their program in the medical college and take a one-year leave of absence between the third and fourth years. They then join the Johnson School’s Accelerated MBA (AMBA) program in May of their third year of medical school and complete the MBA degree requirements by the following May. The MBA degree is granted after the student completes the fourth year of medical school and obtains the MD degree. Each year, one medical or graduate student is granted a full-tuition scholarship for the Johnson School portion of the Accelerated MBA program. Many of our alumni who have earned an MBA in addition to an MD have developed entrepreneurial ventures in medically related fields such as drug delivery, diagnostic processes, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
46 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
istockphoto/time99lek
P/ STUDYING
The
of Studying
An Excerpt from The Med School Survival Kit: How to Breeze Through Med School While Crushing Your Exams by Dr. Wendell Cole
NOTE-TAKING
QUESTIONS
I remember when I used to think I was so effective at taking notes. I used to look at the slides, then write down exactly what the slides said in my notebook. Then read that over again. I did that for EVERY single slide. Then I realized I’d be spending hours re-writing the same things over and over again. Note taking is an extremely important skill! If you try to write down and recreate every single lecture like you did in undergrad, you will not have enough time in the day to go over the information. You can spend hours talking beautiful, scrumptious, delicious, edible, perfect notes but then you end up rewriting the book again which is ultimately a huge waste of time. Pro Tip: If you want to crush exams, find and study with people who score high on exams. It can be a good way for you to learn and a way for them to solidify information. Approach them with the “I’m trying to get on your level / I’m the grasshopper and I’m trying to learn from you Obi-Wan Kenobi” attitude. Make them feel good about themselves and they will be more eager to work with you. Another key to note taking is to create your own story. One of my classmates who was very successful in school, I mean smart as bananas (AOA honor society, matched into Emergency Medicine), drew pictures to study. When she took notes, she made her own pictures of all the different diseases, or how different processes worked. Therefore, she was using the creative part of her brain to remember things and make things stick. See some examples on the next page. You don’t have to be a professional artist to draw things out. She made her own story and crafted her own images. This made studying somewhat fun. The program Sketchy Medical does a great job of incorporating this, which is a reason why they are so widely popular.
Now, one of the biggest and most important things that I wish I knew earlier on in medical school is the importance of doing practice questions. If there’s anything out of this chapter, or out of this book, that you need to understand it is to do practice questions. Do them early! I remember I was a gung-ho medical student at first, studying the material all week and I thought I had the information down pat. I knew everything on the slides. Then, I started to do some practice questions and I only got 50% correct. “What’s going on here?!” I told myself. It wasn’t until my second year of medical school that I realized questions force you to apply your knowledge. When you do a question, you get to find out if you really understand the information, how to apply it, and how it interconnects with different systems. I tended to do questions BEFORE I read the material (everybody does it differently), but here is why I did it that way. When I saw the questions first, I got most of them wrong. I mean I’d be lucky if I got 20% right. So don’t worry about getting them right. By doing it this way, I had a chance to see how the question writers can phrase the material and how they wanted me to apply the knowledge that I would soon learn. So now, when I’m reading through the chapter and learning the information, I am processing it in the sense of, “Oh, I see how you can apply this concept to “x” and “I see this is how they can ask this in a question,” because I’ve already seen some of the questions that I did before I started reading.
Excerpt was published with permission from the author.
P/ STUDENT STORIES
empowering
positive
change
asmyne Jackson is one of the approximately 70% of non-traditional students at the University of Michigan Medical School who have taken at least one gap year before starting medical school. In addition to med school and her MBA studies, Jasmyne DJs in her spare time. Here, she answers eight questions about her path, passions and purpose. What gap year experiences did you have before applying to med school? Through a program called the Pedagogy of Action(link is external), I had the opportunity to partner with four community health organizations in South Africa to streamline HIV education delivery. I also directed and expanded health programming at an all-boys public high school in Cleveland through the not-for-profit, HealthCorps(link is external). It was an honor to empower students, staff and community members to cultivate a culture of health for the school and surrounding area. What called you to explore a career in medicine?
I first thought about uplift through medicine when my best friend was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 16 and the health care system saved her life. It is important to realize the limitations of medicine, especially for those facing social hardships, and witnessing those challenges motivates me to create strategies that promote health and social equity. The greatest reward is being able to serve and support patients and their families in vulnerable times. What other factors did you have to consider when deciding to go into medicine? I believed medicine was my God-given purpose and had faith that everything else would align accordingly. What resources have been most helpful to you so far in your medical education? The faculty and staff at the University of Michigan Medical School are genuinely interested in helping students succeed in their individualized journey. They have been a source of motivation, professional and personal development, and even
JASMYNE JACKSON 40TH YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL
much needed puppy advice. The Office of Medical Student Education is very receptive to students’ needs and ideas. I am also so grateful for the staff in the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion(link is external), whose doors are always open. They continuously work to ensure that diversity is supported and valued in practice. Which student organizations do you belong to? I have joined a variety of student organizations, but I would like the highlight the Black Medical Association (BMA) as it has truly been my family the last few years. I joined BMA because when I was in undergrad, my University of Michigan BMA mentor provided advice and support that helped me believe in myself and gain acceptance into medical school. I wanted to pay that forward and have served as the president and the mentorship chair of the organization. BMA focuses on serving underrepresented communities, as well as the professional development and social support of its members. I have grown as a leader, an activist and a friend through BMA. I am thankful for this community. What is your strategy for finding balance between med school and your other interests? Spending time in the workforce prior to medical school prepared me for prioritizing my time. I understand that spending
time with family and friends rejuvenates me to handle my academic responsibilities thus I arrange my schedule to make time for that. My planner also keeps me in check. If I have a DJ gig or concert coming up, then I know I will have to work harder during the week to make sure I can enjoy those events. Why did you decide to stay in Ann Arbor for med school? My family and close friends live in the Detroit area so I knew I would be close to home. In addition, living in Ann Arbor would give me some financial freedom to still travel and take up new hobbies in my 20s. Brunch at Zola Bistro is my favorite ‘treat yourself.’ Why did you want to earn an MBA while in med school? I pursued an MBA with the goal of gaining business acumen that will help bring innovative and sustainable solutions to health disparities. Ross(link is external) has already broadened my perspective, skill set and knowledge through the focus on action-based learning, teamwork and business as a vehicle for positive social change. I have also been able to give back to the Detroit community by working on two volunteer consulting projects for Detroit-based not-for-profits. I am excited to apply my Ross experience throughout my medical career. To read the full article, visit www.premedlife.com
P/ STUDENT STORIES
learning how innovations enter medicine By Nonie During the last term semester for my dual-degree program at the Ross School of Business, I worked as a student consultant for Dexcom, a company based in San Diego that makes continuous glucose monitors (CGM). This engagement was a part of the Michigan Ross Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) course. Our task was to evaluate a potential new market for these devices beyond Dexcom’s core market of type 1 diabetic patients. The project was a perfect opportunity to apply my clinical and business knowledge in tandem. One of the best parts of MAP was being able to draw from the expertise of my fantastic team members. Among us, one teammate had worked in financial regulation in Japan, another worked as a yield strategist for an airline, and another had experience in health care software. As a part of the experience, we had the opportunity to try the devices on our ourselves for 10 days. I was impressed that I couldn’t feel the sensor at all, and it stayed put despite a week that included surfing and rock climbing. My main insight from having my glucose monitored around the clock was that earlier dinners significantly decreased my morning fasting blood sugar. I was surprised by how much the research skills I built up through years of quality improvement work translated to a business environment. I also enjoyed the opportunity to dust off my clinical vocabulary. During the project, I felt lucky to be part of the University of Michigan network. Our requests
50 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
to connect with physicians and other experts were quickly answered, and it was invaluable to be able to tap into their expertise. San Diego had no shortage of beautiful places to explore in our time off. The experience was also educational in terms of best practices for team work. In a clinical environment, almost all of the work we do is in teams, but I have been part of very few teams where norms and expectations for the whole team are clearly laid out at the outset, in part due to a hectic schedule or due to frequent team turnover. Creating a team charter at the start of the project and intentionally thinking through the division of labor helped keep our workload balanced. It certainly helped that all of our team members were motivated to contribute. This month, I am back in Ann Arbor seeing patients on endocrinology consults and clinic, and experiencing firsthand the impact that technologies like CGM can have in improving patient care.
P/ STUDENT STORIES
My New Adventure
LIFE OF A DUAL DEGREE STUDENT By Jeff Nadal
I am an M4 student currently on leave from the medical school to pursue one of the many dual degree opportunities available at the University of Michigan Medical School. In particular, I am a part of this year’s Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) cohort. After more than a year of spending my days traversing the hurried corridors of Michigan Medicine, this week I traded my stethoscope for pencil and sat down in a lecture hall of more than 200 students for the first day of the School of Public Health’s orientation. Do you remember those first-day-of-school jitters that you always felt growing up? The excited apprehension and nervous energy? Well unsurprisingly, those feelings were palpable among the incoming students who were starting MPH, MS and PhD programs this week. So many new faces eagerly embracing a common goal: to improve the public’s health. A view from Bonobo Winery in Traverse City, MI–a beautiful summer getaway spot for those yearning for an escape! Since starting med school in 2014, I had been interested in the dual degree offerings at UMMS. With such a high concentration of exceptional schools and programs all on one campus, it seemed like a no-brainer to explore and take advantage. In the end, I was deciding between pursuing an MPH and the MSCR. The latter won! The MSCR is an especially unique program. It is funded by a large training grant from the NIH in an
52 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
effort to improve clinician involvement in research. We take classes in the School of Public Health ranging from biostatistics and epidemiology to translational research. We also have room to take fun electives! This semester, I’m learning how to use a statistical computer program (SAS) and also taking a health informatics class to figure out how to improve electronic medical records. Trust me, they need some work! One added bonus: since the program is funded by the NIH, there is money to cover tuition, living expenses, as well as academic and career development opportunities (such as attending conferences) for the year. Our cohort consists almost entirely of medical students, though previous years have included students from the dental school, pharmacy school, and others. Beyond the classroom, we are also required to conduct yearlong, mentored scholarly research in our primary area of interest. That spells excitement for most of us in the program—dedicated research time is hard to come by in med school. I am doing a couple of projects in my intended specialty, neurosurgery. One project is using spatial epidemiology to map the incidence of rare skull base cancers in Michigan. I’m examining whether chemicals from large industrial plants or water contaminants might contribute to risk for some of the rare skull base cancers that we don’t know much about. To read the rest of this article, visit premedlife.com.
P/ THE GOODS
Storm Cloud
This glass cloud contains special liquid that crystallizes different patterns as the air pressure changes.
u
u
Work from Home Survival Kit
The items in this of-the-moment kit help you work at home in peace and chuckle at our shared predicament.
u 54 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
Floppy Disk Notebooks - Set of 3
Office workers and children of the 1980s and ‘90s will love these relics from their computer pasts.
Annotator Highlighter Pencils - Set of 4
Meet your new study buddies: pencil-highlighter combos from sisters-turned-inventors Sophie and Izzy.
u
u Erasable Note Wedge Set
This sleek, portable dry-erase board helps you manage your tasks and thoughts without wasting paper.
Crystal Manifestation Pen
Topped with amethyst or quartz crystal, these pens are a pretty way to put your intentions in writing.
u
January/February 2021 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | 55
P/ THE GOODS
I’m Adam Levey. Here’s Why I Decided to Pursue an MD/MBA.
courses on top of medical school, which is already a significant undertaking. Aside from the workload, learning drastically different material can sometimes be challenging. Switching gears from say, a cardiopulmonary unit in the morning to a healthcare management course in the evening isn’t intuitive, but the overlap in my opinion is one of the strengths of these dual-degree programs.
What was your favorite experience while pursuing this degree? By and far, it’s the opportunity to work with faculty from both schools. Unique opportunities such as case competitions, entrepreneurship events, and networking events become available to you as a business student.
What does your academic schedule look like over the next few years, especially during COVID? Due to COVID, both MD and MBA classes are largely online via zoom for now. While it was challenging to adapt to this mode of learning at first, our faculty have done a really fantastic job at making it work. Moving forward, I’ll have MBA courses once a week in the evenings while MD classes are in session. Come “summer break” I’ll begin taking MBA coursework full-time, completing roughly two courses a week in an accelerated format. During my clinical years, (2, 3, and some of 4) MBA coursework will be woven into the curriculum where time allows.
Assuming you have any, what do you do in your free time? We do have free time! Shocking! When the conditions are right, I’ll make time to go surf (going to school in South Florida definitely has its perks). I also like to work out, cook, and tend to my growing collection of plants.
Why did you choose to pursue the pre-medical track? I actually finished undergrad with the intention of getting a PhD in organic synthesis and to later go into pharmaceutical development and design. It wasn’t until the summer after I had graduated that I shadowed a physician for the first time and ultimately decided to switch fields. What drew you to the MD/MBA degree? After deciding to switch fields, I began working as a medical scribe. During my time as a scribe I was able to see how physicians and hospital administrators interact on a day to day basis. I ultimately came to the conclusion that neither party really understood the other’s world, and decided to pursue an MD/MBA so I may eventually bridge similar communication gaps, at least at a local level. Did you encounter any challenges while pursuing an MD/MBA? I’m fortunate to attend a medical school that offers an accelerated MD/MBA (we finish both degrees in four years instead of the traditional five year trajectory). While the experience has been tremendous, we are at the end of the day taking business
56 | PREMEDLIFE.COM | January/February 2021
What kind of coursework can students expect when earning a MD/MBA ? I would imagine it varies from school to school, but you can expect a mix of basic MBA coursework (accounting, finance, management, business law) as well as more medicine-specific courses such as healthcare business ethics, healthcare management and policy, quality assurance, and so on.
How will an MBA help you in future practice? Conversely, how will an MD help you in your business ventures?
At the bare minimum, it will allow me to better care for my future patients. By getting an MBA while studying medicine, you are more inclined to better understand the healthcare system in which you operate. tory center management. both time and money), so make sure you really want it before jumping in! Read the full interview at premedlife.com.
