University of Rochester MD/MBA Program & Rankings

The University of Rochester offers a unique and prestigious opportunity for students through its joint M.D./M.B.A. degree program, which integrates advanced medical education with a comprehensive business curriculum. This innovative program, offered by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in collaboration with the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, is designed for students interested in becoming leaders in health care management. The program allows students to earn both a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in just five calendar years, which is one year less than completing both degrees separately.

This dual-degree program is particularly suited for students who wish to combine their passion for medicine with an in-depth understanding of the business side of health care, enabling them to take on leadership roles in the medical field, health care organizations, or health care policy. Here, we will explore the structure, admission requirements, rankings, and accreditations of the University of Rochester’s MD/MBA program and highlight the program’s unique value for aspiring health care executives.

Program Overview

The University of Rochester's MD/MBA program is a five-year, full-time course of study that combines the rigorous medical education of the School of Medicine and Dentistry with the comprehensive business education of the Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. The program is designed to give students an integrated understanding of both medicine and management, preparing them for careers where both clinical knowledge and business acumen are essential.

The MD/MBA program is highly selective, requiring students to apply and gain admission to both the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Simon School of Business. Students must also take and submit scores from both the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), which reflects the program’s dual focus on medicine and business. This rigorous admission process ensures that only highly qualified and motivated individuals are admitted, who are capable of excelling in both medical and business disciplines.

The curriculum is divided into two distinct phases: the first two years are dedicated to medical education at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, where students complete the foundational coursework in medicine and clinical skills. The following two years focus on the MBA portion of the program, where students take core business courses such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, with a particular emphasis on health care management. In the final year, students integrate their medical and business knowledge through clinical rotations and health care management electives, culminating in a capstone project that involves applying business principles to health care settings.

This integrated approach allows students to graduate with both an M.D. and an M.B.A., which sets them apart in the competitive health care sector and positions them for leadership roles that require both clinical expertise and business leadership.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Rochester’s MD/MBA program is highly competitive and requires students to meet the rigorous standards set by both the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. Applicants must submit separate applications to both programs and be accepted into each before they can be admitted to the joint MD/MBA program.

In addition to meeting the standard medical school admission requirements, applicants must also take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) in addition to the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), which reflects the dual nature of the program and ensures that candidates have the quantitative and analytical skills necessary for success in business courses.

Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background, including a solid foundation in the sciences for the M.D. program, as well as experience or potential in leadership, teamwork, and analytical thinking for the M.B.A. program. Professional experience in the health care industry or related fields is often beneficial, though not required. The admissions process is highly selective, with candidates evaluated on a combination of academic performance, standardized test scores, personal statements, recommendations, and interviews.

Rankings and Recognition

The University of Rochester MD/MBA program benefits from the high rankings and strong reputations of both the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, ensuring that students in the program receive a top-tier education in both medicine and business.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry has consistently ranked among the top medical schools in the United States. In the 2013 U.S. News rankings, the School of Medicine and Dentistry climbed to 29th place among the nation’s best research medical schools, reflecting the strength of its medical research and education programs. Additionally, the school ranked 15th among primary care schools, underscoring its commitment to training medical professionals who are ready to work in diverse and community-based health care settings.

Simon Graduate School of Business Administration Rankings: The Simon Graduate School of Business Administration is also highly regarded in the world of business education. In the 2012 Financial Times rankings, Simon was placed 22nd among the top 25 business schools in the U.S. and 49th among the top 100 business schools globally. The Simon School is especially known for its strength in areas such as finance, economics, and health care management, making it an ideal partner for the University of Rochester's MD/MBA program. Moreover, Simon ranked 4th in the U.S. for salary progression, tying with Stanford University, as measured by the percentage increase in salary from pre-MBA to post-MBA, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for leadership roles that come with financial rewards.

Primary Care and Research Focus: The University of Rochester's medical school has long been recognized for its strength in primary care, ranking 15th among primary care schools in the 2013 U.S. News rankings. This reflects the institution’s emphasis on producing well-rounded physicians who are equipped to address the complex health care challenges faced by communities across the country. Furthermore, the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s focus on research has contributed to its rise in the rankings, positioning it as a leader in advancing medical knowledge.

The Value of Dual Degrees: The MD/MBA program at the University of Rochester stands out as a program that prepares students for high-level leadership roles in health care. This dual-degree program combines the clinical training of an M.D. with the strategic and managerial skills of an M.B.A., making graduates highly competitive in the evolving health care industry. Whether working in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, health insurance firms, or health care policy organizations, graduates of the MD/MBA program have the expertise to drive change and innovation in the field.

Accreditations

The University of Rochester's MD/MBA program benefits from the accreditations of its constituent schools, ensuring that students receive an education that meets the highest standards in both the medical and business fields.

Accreditation of the School of Medicine and Dentistry: The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), which is the recognized accrediting body for medical education in the United States. Additionally, the school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This accreditation affirms that the medical school meets rigorous standards for educational quality and clinical training, preparing students for success in their medical careers.

Accreditation of the Simon Graduate School of Business: The Simon Graduate School of Business Administration holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the gold standard in business school accreditation. AACSB accreditation is awarded only to the top 5% of business schools worldwide, ensuring that Simon maintains the highest standards of academic excellence in business education. This accreditation is particularly important for students pursuing an MBA, as it guarantees that their degree will be recognized and respected globally.

Conclusion

The University of Rochester’s MD/MBA program offers an exceptional opportunity for students who wish to combine medical and business education in a way that uniquely prepares them for leadership roles in health care. Through its partnership between the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the Simon Graduate School of Business Administration, the program provides students with a rigorous, integrated curriculum that equips them with the clinical expertise and managerial skills needed to thrive in the dynamic health care industry.

With the combined strength of the University of Rochester’s highly ranked medical and business schools, students in the MD/MBA program receive a world-class education that opens doors to a variety of career paths in health care management, policy, and administration. Whether working in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or public health organizations, graduates of the program are poised to make significant contributions to the future of health care, combining their medical knowledge with the business acumen required to lead in an increasingly complex industry.