Physician pursuing an MBA

[neurodoc]

Hi,

I am not sure how conventional my application is, but I am actually a physician and trying to get an MBA. I was actually in a dual degree program in medical school (MD/MBA), but decided against it at the last minute due to the prohibitive costs. Now, I am just about to complete my training in neurosurgery at a large academic medical center and have been given the chance to take two years off to pursue my MBA. Since I really have no reference frame regarding my competitiveness since I don't have any particular business experience per se, I was hoping to get some external input. Thanks!

GPA: 3.5/4.0 from a Tier I national university, with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in mathematics
Received my medical doctor degree also from a good university with multiple clinical honors
I took my GMATs once and received a score of 730 (Q48/82%, V42/95%) AWA: 5.5
As I said above, I am a surgeon currently completing my neurosurgical training and have taken on several leadership roles including starting a neurosurgical dissection lab and leading the integration of electronic medical records into daily neurosurgical care.
I have several publications in academic journals (pertaining to neurosurgery, of course)

I am not planning on applying to too many schools, but I am particularly interested in Northwestern, University of Chicago and Harvard. I would appreciate any input/advice you have. Thanks again!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear neurodoc,

First, you will need to check the date of your GMAT test to see if your scores are still valid. They are good for 5 years. If it has been over 5 years, then you might need to take the GMAT again. Second, the main question will be your rationale for an MBA in relation to your MD and career as a doctor, as well as how these will work in concert for your future career path. You don't have to have traditional business experience to be qualified or competitive for an MBA, but you do have to show you have gained quality experience in your field and show evidence of leadership. If you haven't already, I do encourage you to contact the schools you are considering for further insight into what you need to include or address in your applications.

Good luck,
Lisa