EVALUATION - MBA CANDIDACY

[drdevious]

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 an 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 concerns. 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've 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 dont have "corporate" experience.

I am a member of various medical societies and have participated in medical conferences around the world.

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.

[VP_MBA_Guru]

Hi Dr,
I would start with getting to know the MBA admission process better. As I have mentioned on this forum, I am a huge fan of MBA Admissions books. Its a great way to learn more about the MBA admissions process and also learn about the top MBA programs and how to decide what schools make sense for you and your background.

My favorites are: How to Get Into Top MBA Programs by Richard Montauk; and Your MBA Game Plan by Omari Bouknight and Scott Schurm (full disclosure - I work with Veritas Prep, which is affilated with the second book)

Good luck!

NP

[drdevious]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice. Could you direct me to the relevant website so I can purchase these books online?

Keeping my background in view, do you think I have a chance at getting into a top MBA program like Northwestern or Columbia granted my GMAT scores are +700. I plan on giving the exam in the next 4-5 months.

What areas do you think I'm deficient and need to work on? I have also considered pursuing a MPH (Master in Public Health) degree keeping in view of my medical background. Few institutions like Johns Hopkins offer a dual degree - MPH and MBA.

I would really appreciate any help in this regard. Thanks.

[VP_MBA_Guru]

Hi Dr,
Any online bookstore should have the above mentioned books. However, I am not sure what companies will deliver to Pakistan (you could also try half.com )

Regards,

NP