MBA for Physicians?

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

As a physician pondering the value of getting an MBA, I was wondering whether it matters what kind of program I get my MBA from.

There are basically 2 options for me since I would be completing the MBA while working:

  1. Get an MBA through a 100% online program that has only 1-2 weeks of on-campus meeting requirements over the 2 year period. Examples would be Indiana U or UNC or an even cheaper state school program like UT Chattanooga or University of North Alabama.
    The advantages would be lower tuition cost (Not necessarily for UNC or IU, but for U North Alabama and UT Chatt it would be much cheaper), and ease of flexibility of completing the program (no set meeting times, could do the class work online at my leisure, and possibly more flexible if I wanted to take a summer off and pick back up studying where I left off).

  2. doing a dedicated “physician executive MBA” program. Examples would be Indiana U, Auburn U, UT Knoxville, or Brandeis. The pros would be more of a healthcare management emphasis and (possibly) that these may be taken more seriously by employers than online MBA programs. The cons would be higher tuition (in most cases), increased on-campus residency requirements (varies from several weeks a year to one weekend a month), and less flexibility in completing the curriculum (ie having to complete the program in 12-21 consecutive months with no breaks).

So to those in the business world, would it really matter for an MD MBA? I would figure obtaining a business/management skill set would be more important than program name provided that all of the programs are accredited by the AACSB.

Any opinions on this?
Thanks.

2

If you already are in an administrative position no, probably your experience will trump a reputable MBA program. I know a few MDs who did executive MBA programs. They flew there each weekend.
But if you have absolutely no business experience and wants a job in administration, yes, a reputable program matters.
I don’t think I would do an online program and to depend on it to get your first administration job. However, if you just want administration and not private equity, hedge fund type job, plenty of physicians don’t need MBA to work there. But you will start at a low level.

3

Thanks @cbreeze

4

My son has several MDs in his class at an elite MBA program, but I think they are all relatively young. I suspect they are looking at VC type work, although one is looking to run things and already runs things.

5

Thanks @shawbridge

I think I have settled on the Auburn Pemba program - seems solid.