First IU med student embarking on combined MBA/ MD

Five years of full-time study are required to obtain the doctor of medicine/ master of business administration, nstead of the minimum six years that normally would be undertaken if they were pursued separately. Typically, IU medical students spend three years in full-time study before they begin to integrate business courses. That’s the path McGarvey is taking and in doing so is in a class all by himself. He’s the first and only medical student to enroll in the newly established combined degree program and will take four six-month periods of study, alternating between medical and business coursework. “I’ve always wanted to have a hand in business and find it fascinating,” said McGarvey, who plans a career in emergency medicine. “Moreover, medicine is becoming more constrained by outside economic forces -- insurance, pharamaceuticals, federal government and regulation. I believe it’s essential I have a strong understanding of these forces if I am to become an effective physician-leader.” Both the M.D. and M.B.A. are conferred at the same time once all requirements for both disciplines have been met. McGarvey expects to receive his degrees in 2004.

“The ever-evolving nature of medicine in this country has created an interest in this kind of program,” explained Dr. Craig Brater, dean of IUSM. “In partnership with the Kelley School of Business, we are responding to a need that will develop top-notch clinicians-managers who understand and meet the needs of their patients and balance it with the changing health-care delivery environment.”

McGarvey understands he’s walking the point in pursuing both degrees. “In a sense, I guess you could say I’m a guinea pig, but overall, the transition has been smooth,” said McGarvey. “This program is a tremendous opportunity.”
http://kelley.iupui.edu.