Work

MD/MBA Students: An Analysis of Medical Student Career Choice

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An increasing number of medical schools are offering dual degree MD/MBA programs. Career choices and factors influencing students to enter these programs provide an indicator of the roles in which dual degree students will serve in health care as well as the future of dual degree programs. PURPOSE: Using career choice theory as a conceptual framework, career goals and factors influencing decisions to enter dual degree programs were assessed among dual degree medical students. METHODS: Students enrolled at dual degree programs at six medical schools were surveyed and interviewed. A control group of traditional medical students was also surveyed. RESULTS: Factors influencing students to seek both medical and business training are varied but are often related to a desire for leadership opportunities, concerns about change in medicine and job security and personal career goals. Most students expect to combine clinical and administrative roles. CONCLUSIONS: Students entering these programs do so for a variety of reasons and plan diverse careers. These findings can provide guidance for program development and recruitment for dual degree medical education programs.

Source: Medical Education Online

DOI: 10.3402/meo.v9i.4353

Author: Windsor Westbrook Sherrill

Institution: Clemson University

Language: English

Topic: Diversity and Career in Medicine

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,189