An innovative partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and Georgia Institute of Technology’s Scheller College of Business will equip medical students with a “unique blend of skills” to successfully care for patients and manage the business operations of a medical practice.
The five-year, joint M.D./MBA program allows students to complete their business degree in one year while still enrolled in MSM’s M.D. program. Students graduating from the program have the opportunity to pursue careers at the intersections of healthcare, entrepreneurship and technology.
“In today’s health care environment, being a great physician is not just about understanding medicine and patient care — it is increasingly important to have an understanding of the overall health care industry along with an ability to facilitate innovative thinking, demonstrate strong leadership and incorporate critical problem solving skills,” said Dr. Maryam Alavi, dean of the Scheller College of Business by email. “Tomorrow’s physician must be innovative and possess financial and managerial acumen. Our curriculum not only develops managerial and financial acumen, but also develops tech savvy, entrepreneurial mindsets.”
The joint program is established at a time where Black and other underrepresented groups make up approximately eight percent of the entire physician workforce. At MSM, a historically Black institution, Black students make up the largest group enrolled, with Asians and Hispanics following behind.
Students enrolled in the M.D. program at MSM can apply to Scheller College at any point prior to the end of their third year in the M.D. program. Once admitted to the joint program, students must complete 54 total credit hours for the MBA: 39 credit hours are specific to Scheller College and 15 credit hours from MSM can count towards the MBA elective requirements.
In addition to cultivating skillsets to establish and manage their own medical practice, graduates can also expect to gain leadership roles at health care companies, hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, government organizations, consulting firms and more, Alavi said.
“The program’s focus on applied learning prepares each student to compete effectively in the technology-enabled health care ecosystem of the future,” she added.
