Georgetown University MD/MBA Program

The Georgetown University School of Medicine and McDonough School of Business offer a full-time, five-year, dual MD-MBA program that leads to the awards of an M.D. degree and an M.B.A. degree upon completion of the course requirements. This program is intended for candidates seeking positions in healthcare administration, healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, and medical technology.

The Dual MD-MBA Program

The Georgetown MD-MBA program is specifically tailored for individuals who wish to bridge the gap between medicine and business. The five-year, full-time program requires students to gain admission to both the Georgetown McDonough School of Business and the Georgetown University School of Medicine prior to enrollment in the medical school. This dual-degree path allows students to obtain two prestigious qualifications simultaneously: a comprehensive medical education and an advanced business education.

The program is structured to integrate the rigorous training required for a career in medicine with the strategic and leadership skills imparted by a top-tier business education. The first two years of the program focus primarily on the medical curriculum at the School of Medicine, where students delve into the foundations of medical sciences, clinical practices, and patient care. During these initial years, students are also introduced to business fundamentals through select courses at the McDonough School of Business, offering an early introduction to healthcare management and entrepreneurship.

In the third year, students shift their focus towards the MBA curriculum, completing core business courses such as finance, accounting, marketing, and organizational behavior. These courses are designed to equip students with the business acumen necessary to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. The final two years of the program return to the medical curriculum, where students complete their clinical rotations while simultaneously working on their MBA capstone projects or internships that involve healthcare-related business challenges.

Graduates of the MD-MBA program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles that require both medical expertise and business strategies. These roles include positions in healthcare administration, medical innovation, healthcare policy, and entrepreneurship, where they can drive improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and the adoption of new technologies.

Admissions and Requirements

To gain admission to the MD-MBA dual-degree program, candidates must first meet the admission requirements of both the Georgetown University School of Medicine and the McDonough School of Business. This dual application process ensures that only those students who are committed to excelling in both the fields of medicine and business are selected. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance, a strong personal commitment to healthcare, leadership potential, and a desire to make meaningful contributions to healthcare innovation.

Given the competitive nature of the program, prospective students must submit separate applications to both schools, providing evidence of their qualifications in the form of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and standardized test scores such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Successful candidates will have a unique combination of skills and experiences that will enable them to thrive in both medical and business environments.

Once accepted, students embark on a challenging and rewarding journey, balancing the demands of both the medical and business curriculums. The dual MD-MBA program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to engage in both academic areas simultaneously, ensuring that their education remains comprehensive, without sacrificing depth in either field.

Rankings and Accreditation

Both Georgetown University’s School of Medicine and McDonough School of Business are nationally recognized institutions, each with its own set of accolades that underscore the quality of education provided to their students.

Georgetown's School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States. In the U.S. News & World Report 2008 rankings, the School of Medicine improved its position from 46th to 44th in the category of top medical schools for research. This ranking reflects the institution's commitment to providing an education that blends cutting-edge medical research with compassionate, patient-centered care. The school is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), which ensures that it meets the highest standards of medical education in the country.

Similarly, the McDonough School of Business holds a prestigious position in the academic world. In the 2013 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Graduate Schools," the full-time MBA program was ranked 24th, marking the sixth consecutive year that it landed in the top 25. Furthermore, the MBA Evening Program saw an impressive jump to 14th, up from 21st the previous year, reflecting the strength and reputation of Georgetown's business education. The business school’s global influence is further solidified by its accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction that is awarded only to the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

These rankings and accreditations confirm that both Georgetown's School of Medicine and McDonough School of Business offer high-quality programs that provide students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary for success in their respective fields. The dual MD-MBA program allows students to leverage the strengths of both schools, ensuring a well-rounded and rigorous education.

Career Opportunities for MD-MBA Graduates

Graduates of Georgetown's MD-MBA program are uniquely positioned to tackle the challenges of the healthcare sector, which is increasingly influenced by business and technological advancements. The healthcare industry is undergoing significant transformations, driven by new innovations in medical technologies, data analytics, and digital health solutions. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess not only clinical expertise but also the strategic thinking required to manage complex healthcare systems and lead organizations through periods of rapid change.

MD-MBA graduates are prepared for leadership roles in various sectors of the healthcare industry, including:

Healthcare Administration: Graduates can work in hospital management, healthcare consulting, or policy analysis, where they apply their combined knowledge of medicine and business to improve healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.

Medical Innovation and Entrepreneurship: For those interested in entrepreneurship, the dual-degree program provides the skills needed to start and manage healthcare ventures. MD-MBA graduates can create or lead companies focused on medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or digital health technologies.

Healthcare Investment and Venture Capital: With their deep understanding of both medical science and business operations, MD-MBA graduates are well-positioned to work in healthcare investment firms, venture capital, or private equity, where they evaluate and fund innovative healthcare startups and technologies.

Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Graduates can influence healthcare policy at the local, state, or federal levels by using their medical knowledge and business insights to shape policies that promote better access to care, more efficient healthcare systems, and the implementation of cutting-edge healthcare technologies.