Ask Stacy Blackman

MY PROFILE:

I am a 32 year old Male, US citizen, currently living in Pakistan where I completed my Medical Education in 2002 having received a M.B.B.S degree. After graduation I took some time off and established a private business venture dealing with Health care, Real estate and Stock Investments. In 2006, after establishing the venture, I decided to resume my postgraduate medical education. I have been working in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan for the last 3 years. My clinical experience has been quite diverse. I have done rotations in Critical Care Medicine which includes Nephrology, Cardiology and Internal Medicine. In addition, I have spent a year and a half in Dermatology.

Having obtained my basic medical education and training, I am interested in expanding and diversifying my career options. I'm interested in pursuing a MBA so I can enter the Health care, Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industry.

In my medical school we were evaluated by an annual exam in which 50% was Passing. At the end of the year we would receive a mark sheet with marks for each subject. We don't really have or follow a GPA system.

I have just started along the MBA route and haven't given the GMAT yet.

Work experience has been my private business venture and 3 years postgraduate training in Medicine. I don't have “corporate” experience.

I am a member of various medical societies and have participated in medical conferences in Europe and South Asia.

I have 3 research publications under my belt.

I have participated in numerous volunteer and community activities – Red Cross, Earthquake relief and Social Welfare.

Extracurricular activities include weightlifting, computers and movies.

I have always been attracted to the Business side of the Health care sector so thats why I'm making the change from clinical medicine.

I would like an honest opinion of my candidacy and what systematic and concrete steps should I take to get into a good program.

Thanks.

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the reply and advise. Regarding the Letters of Recommendation would it be suitable to get them from clinical professors with whom I have worked with?

In your reply you mentioned having a valid reason for wanting an MBA keeping career goals in mind. Below I have an UPDATED RESPONSE.

REASON FOR MBA:

1- Have always been interested in Business and Entrepreneurship.
2- Enhance my educational credentials in addition to my medical education and training.
3- Develop a sound base in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Accounting and other business related subjects. This will help in expanding my private venture.
4- Develop expertise, proficiency and skills that will help in future endeavors.
5- Have access to academic scholars, business leaders, resources and social network that an MBA provides. Be a part of the “experience.”
6- Have the option of entering the Health care, Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology industry.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Having an entrepreneurial drive and interest in starting a business of my own, after medical school I took some time off and established a private business venture under the name of “The House of NAN.” It deals with Health care, Real estate and Stock Investments. I own and operate a private dialysis clinic. The real estate arm of my venture deals with private acquisition of property. I also actively follow and trade in the stock market.

In 2006, after establishing the venture, I decided to resume my postgraduate medical education. I have been working in a major tertiary care hospital in Pakistan for the last 3 years. My clinical experience has been quite diverse. I have completed a one year internship as a House Physician rotating in specialties such as Nephrology, Cardiology, Internal Medicine and Dermatology. Subsequently, I spent an additional year rotating through three sub specialties of Internal Medicine. I have a particular interest in Dermatology where I spent a further year in training.

POST MBA PLANS:

I have many ideas and future plans POST MBA and would be able to explain them in detail if Admissions Committee were to ask through essay or interview.

I am giving the GMAT in January. If all goes well and I can get + 700 score how would you rate my MBA candidacy for schools like Chicago and Columbia granted essays are good and I perform well in interviews.

Thank you for your time.