This is a frequently asked question by physicians looking to enhance their business knowledge within their clinical practice, becoming more involved in hospital administration, or contemplating a career change. This is also the title of an article written by Wayne j. Guglielmo and available on-line in the May 5, 2006 issue of Medical Economics. Physician interest in business education has increased, as evidenced by the fact that 46 allopathic medical schools in the United States now offer combined MD/MBA programs. Along with these students making the decision to add an MBA at the onset of their medical education, many more individuals are turning to an MBA midstream in their careers as a physician. The article by Guglielmo highlights the careers of four physicians who studied to get their MBA, three of whom went back to school after more than ten years of clinical practice.
Physicians considering an MBA must keep in mind the time, financial, and social commitment necessary to make that goal a reality. As with any other form of education, the true benefit of this investment comes to individuals who have a specific plan in mind for applying the additional knowledge that they will acquire through the process.
