Since joining ISB I have received a lot of queries from other doctors and healthcare professionals about healthcare management, the opportunities for doctors after an MBA and getting into a b-school like ISB. The following is an attempt to write about all that I know on each of the above points. I’ll keep adding stuff here in bits and pieces so its not going to be really organised. Leave me a comment if you want more info and I’ll try and write about it.
Disclaimer: This info is not officially from ISB and is what I understand of the admission procedure here. If after reading this, you don’t get in, don’t blame me!!
Q. What are the opportunities available to doctors after an MBA?
A. After an MBA a doctor could get into one of the following industries:
- Healthcare services delivery (hospitals, hospital chains)
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Biotech companies
- Healthcare consulting
- NGOs
The functional areas where you could get in are (by industry):
- Healthcare services delivery (hospitals, hospital chains)
- Marketing and customer relations
- Sales
- Operations – This is where I’ve got a job now with Apollo Hyderabad
- Business development
- Pharmaceutical and biotech companies
- Marketing and customer relations
- Sales
- Operations
- Business development
- Licensing
- Discovery project management and evaluation
- Medico-marketing
Q. How should I prepare to get into a B-school?
A. I’ll concentrate on how to apply for ISB. These points would generally apply to most US & European B-schools. IIMs is a different ball-game and I suggest talking to a current student or alum from an IIM. Send an email to one of the IIM’s alumni association. I had a pleasant experience there and got a lot of responses.
ISB will look at the following parts of your application to decide whether you fit in or not:
- Essays
- Work Experience
- Recommendations
- GMAT
- Interview
Your application will most probably be compared with people from similar backgrounds, for e.g. techies will be compared with other techies and doctors with other doctors.
At the outset let me clarify that GMAT is not the only criteria for admission. Each of the above points will be weighted more or less equally, so concentrate on all of them!
Essays
ISB will ask you to write 4-5 essays as part of your application. The topics vary from year to year so take a look at the application and write. Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical mistakes and above all be honest. An interviewer can usually find out if you are dishonest! I guess it might be OK to discuss the essay with family and friends, but its definitely not OK to get a professional to write it for you. ISB will definitely find out if its written by a pro.
Work Experience
Here you tell ISB about what you’ve done in your career till now. On the basis of this ISB assesses what skills you possess or have acquired. Tell them all that you have done, don’t be shy, but don’t write anything you have not actually done!
Recommendations
ISB requires you to send 2 recos with your application. According to me the best recos would be from your supervisors/bosses at work. It’s a pretty comprehensive document. Make sure the person who writes the reco knows you well. Don’t try and fudge the reco or fill it up for the recommender! Ask the recommender to fill it up, sign it and give it to you in a sealed envelope, with their signature across the seal.
GMAT
Last, but not the least, the GMAT. ISB’s average GMAT score has been rising and our batch (2007 batch) has an average of 706! If you get anything below 650, then you might wanna retake the exam, unless you have something exceptional in your profile, essay or work experience.
While I was preparing for my MBA admission, I was also taking coaching for CAT. This helped me a lot with the Maths. Then, I took a short course at Kaplan for the GMAT, did some questions and full-length tests, and went and gave the exam. Got decent marks and that was the end of it.
You should also read this excellent article – 10 secrets for getting into a top B-school
I agree with all the points in this article, except point 4. I agree with the part about not rushing your application but not with the part about round 1. I think you should apply for round 1 only, but ensure you start your preparation and application process well in time so that you do not rush the application. This will especially be true for MBBS grads since they might take more time preparing for the maths parts of the exams.
Q. Does ISB consider my MBBS internship as work experience?
A. Yes! (IIMs don’t) Not anymore.
Q. Does ISB consider my 3 years of MD/MS as work experience?
A. Gray area-ISB did not consider it till now, but that seems to be changing. Call or write to the admissions office for clarifications.
November 10, 2010 at 3:41 PM
HI sir,
I finished my MBBS in july.
Iam confused as many of my friends whether to join medical PG or MBA.
but iam interested in MBA.
Thanks for you i got all the information to apply for MBA from your previous posts.
can you please tell me the kind of work after MBA in hospital management.
Is it hectic and stressful?
and the working days and working hours in a day.
do we get enough time to spend with family?
January 4, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Dear Rahul,
Work after MBA can be as hectic as that for a doctor. But it all depends on you… you wanna reach the top and be successful you will need to work hard. Work-life balance is something that you would need to create on your own, whichever organisation you go to. Even now I have days when I go home at 9 or 10. Routine days are 9 to 7, 6 days a week…
November 25, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Hi Rahul,
Im an Indian national with a foreign medical qualification (MD) and Im interested to know more abt the MBA program after MD.
Firstly, could u pls let me know whether doing an MBA would too difficult for us Drs, especially coz v have been out of touch of Maths, Economics etc or quite some time.
Another reason why Im seriously considering this MBA degree is coz i always have been good with managerial skills, especially handling money.
But my weakness, at the same time, is that Im not a very good public speaker. Will this matter if i try to take up an MBA?
Lastly, will my work in some field like clinical research count as experience?
Tnx so much for ur time. Really appreciate all that u r doing.
January 4, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Dear Dr. Doshi,
Doing an MBA might be a bit difficult but most schools help you get in touch with those kinds of subjects before you start the actual course. Public speaking can be learnt over time, I myself am not good with it, but have been able to manage with practice. Yes, clinical research should count as work ex provided it has been full time.
January 17, 2011 at 5:18 PM
dont know much abt this blog so posting my comment here
i am a dentist and have been working in a charitable trust since the last 2 yrs.i would like to do an mba.im not too sure if finance or hr.i have given my nmat and snap and am expecting gd pi calls
i would like to know how i can justify the career change.and what are the career opportunities for me if i do mba hr from scmhrd……plz plz help
November 30, 2010 at 12:57 PM
hi my name is amit. I got into mbbs via all cbse india rank 50. in mbbs i lost interest, FAILED THRICE and wasted time. my scores in 10th, 12th and mbbs are 93%,80% and 51% !!! I know i can clear the exam but will any institute touch me with a bargepole? i am 29 yrs old. awaiting ur reply.
February 1, 2011 at 6:46 PM
Yes, they should. You have great scores in 10th and 12th. My MBSS performance was only very slightly better than yours!
Get a good GMAT score and you should atleast get a call.
May 29, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Hello sir,
ive just cleared my isc with a 95%, and i wud go for mbbs next…i am intrstd to knw abt the scope of doing an mba rite afta i gt an mbbs degree frm a gvt coll.
January 10, 2011 at 2:30 AM
Hi Rahul, I am father of two boys one in 2nd yr MBBS and the other in 12th aspiring to get into med school. I read your blog as a point of interest concerned for the future of both of them and found it to be highly enlightning. I must congratulate you for all the good work that you are doing through your blog. Carry on the good work, all the best for your future and God bless.
February 1, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Thanks 🙂
January 13, 2011 at 6:05 AM
Hi Rahul
Thanks for all the valuable info.
Is there a age limit.I am 50 now
I am actually looking for a change because of the unethical practices in my field Radiology
What is the kind of pay package – roughly
February 1, 2011 at 6:45 PM
Age is usually not a factor.. package would depend entirely upon the company and the role they offer but I would assume upward of 20-30 lakhs
January 18, 2011 at 8:55 PM
HI doc,
First of all thanks for all the help that u are providing,i refered all your posts still have some doubts.Kindly help asap
I m sure of getting call 4m symbiosis(as snap scores r out) and inter view is in scnd week of feb.
what kind of field work does marketing executive in healthcare sector has to do
Is it possible to enter in operations in healthcare services if company or hospital isnt cuming 4 plaCEMENTS over there,Or it would b very difficult with just 6 months of experienceprior to doing mba?
if institute's list shows GSK consumer,elli lilly,j and j medical india,biocon as healthcare companies cuming 4 placements hw can i knw what positions,job profile,packages do they offer? do u have ny idea which specialisaTION PPL DO THEU USUALLY RECRUIT?
r DER NY specific healthcare consulting firms in india? or v hav 2 join general consulting firms only?do they needny specific specialisation ppl or ny can do?is 6 months of prior exp enuf?
A vry silly q though : During placements companies have pre decided that they will hire ppl 4m particular specialiazation or they decide after seeing yr exp,ur specialization and performance during entire mba course study?
I m pharma grad and i hope taht i m nt violating ny norms by posting here .
Kindly HELP asap.
February 1, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Dear Mitali,
Field work in healthcare sector will depend on which company (pharma or hospital) you go to but would typically involve going to doctor\’s office to market your services.
Yes, you can get into any company whether they come to your college or not. Just go meet the HR there or find out a contact in that company.
Ask the admissions office of that college or some alumni about what positions were offered by the company.
There are a couple of specific healthcare consulting firms. Whether 6 months experience is enough or not will depend on the company and the job that they offer.
Companies may decide which specialisation they want, but a lot would depend on your interview and whether you can convince them about how suitable you are for the job.
January 23, 2011 at 7:18 PM
rahul….gr8 work…people like me are going to be extremely grateful to u…keep it up..neways…im a dentist with 2 yrs work experience…i never wanted 2 do dentistry but was forced into it by my father…not tht im bad at it….i fared very well..i was always among the toppers in my coll….but even after all this its not what im interested in doing…i want to do mba in hr….i always have….i dont know how to justify this to the panel…i have good interpersonal skills….i can understand the other persons pt of view…i can balance…so plz tell me if i shld just say all this or what?plz plz help
February 1, 2011 at 6:37 PM
Yes, I think your responses are good enough for the panel… Also, I doubt if they will ask you why you think you are good for HR. They will most likely ask you why you wanna do HR. So prepare for that.
January 23, 2011 at 10:22 PM
hi rahul,
am doing my internship in ap am interested in ur path.
can u just guide me about gmat score n work experience for securing in isb
thanks for ur valuable guidance cz here its so difficult to seek information regarding ds stream!
February 1, 2011 at 6:34 PM
Dear Anil,
The average GMAT score at ISB these days is above 700 and you would need about 2-3 years of work ex minimum.
January 27, 2011 at 12:59 PM
hi sir i have a call from sibm pune.sir i gave cat but got only89 percentile.should i give cat again or take in siibm.how is the reputation of callege?
February 1, 2011 at 6:33 PM
Please let me know the full name of SIBM…
February 4, 2011 at 4:21 PM
Dear Rahul,
I have calls for MBA programs this season and one of the questions I am dreading is why MBA why not MHA? Request for some pointers in this regard.
February 6, 2011 at 11:25 AM
What is your real reason for an MBA not an MHA? That itself should be the best response for the question. An MBA should give you a broader perspective about business and management. MHA would be very hospital/healthcare specific.
February 6, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Sir, I am an MBBS, presently an intern. I have got a call from XLRI HR.
I was asked in the mock interview- ‘How can your being doctor benefit into your HR work?’
I said that i (a doctor) can contribute more to HR as i (a doctor) am familiar with the basic framework of a hospital, right form its servants to the heads. I have been in the contact of thousands of patients and their relatives, so I know the basic mindset of those ppl also. So i can understand their needs and the basic problems in case of the typical conflicts and so. So, an HR manager from an medical background in healthcare sector can be more effective than the one with non-medical background.
But i was said that it was completely irrelevant. Not even ‘insufficient’; ‘irrelevant’ is what they said.
Now, every time my interview finishes on just this single question- WHY HR AFTER MBBS? Pls guide me what i can answer, or at least give me the direction.
February 6, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Who took these mock interviews?
February 6, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Such a swift reply!! Thanks 🙂
Sir, the interview was taken by some teachers from my coaching class. In the previous interviews i had said pretty idiotic things and i was scorned; but this was what i said in the last interview and still the idea was rejected.
So, does this point sound convincing enough for the interview? Can you provide me something more to say on this particular question- WHY HR AFTER MBBS? Pls let me know if Pharma or health insurance sounds more promising than hospitals, for HR.
Thank you in anticipation..
February 15, 2011 at 3:09 PM
Can’t think of anything further to add… HR would be a good option in any of those industries.
February 8, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Sir, the interview was taken by the teachers of my coaching class. No offense to them, i might have been unable to explain the thing clearly.
But, does the above idea which i stated sounds convincing enough as an explanation of ‘how can i contribute more as a medico’? Can i add anything else?
February 8, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Dear Rahul,
Thanks for your relply on my earlier query. Have another one.My aim is healthcare consulting with rationalization and optimization of operations of various healthcare providers as my goal. As you are from healthcare operation stream I would really appreciate if you could frame some possible questions regarding this stream that might be asked and how to prepare in depth for the same. For my previous query I was thinking along the line you specified just needed cponfirmation from someone who has ben there and done that.
Thanks
Aditya
February 15, 2011 at 3:10 PM
They would definitely want to know how your experience and the education you gain at the B-school would help you in the consulting jobs…
February 11, 2011 at 9:49 PM
hi rahul….i am shashvat….i am in Final MBBS in KEM hospital, Mumbai…i am liking medicine…but want to do an MBA too….my 10th score is 93% my 12th is 85% and MBBS aggregate till now is 74%…
what are my chances to get into IIM…. i am proficinet in mathematics and english…
what would be starting salaries after 2 years work experience in pharma company after MBBS and before MBA
let me know at your convenience…thanks…
February 15, 2011 at 3:12 PM
Your scores are good, so your chances for IIM, etc. should be decent. Would depend a lot on the CAT and interview though. Starting salaries before MBA would not be too great.
March 1, 2012 at 12:08 AM
hi,i am a medical student into my intership and keen on going in for GMAT preperations,kindly advice me with what to opt for as work experience to build a better profile for future applications,should i work at a private hospital for two years,or do research work in Pharma through Phd or opt for a Phd at National Institute of Mental And Neurosciences which is of three years,thanxx in advance
February 14, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Thanks its a realy nice and imformative post..
But here you are talking about regular programs only..
I feel doing MBA in distance mode while doing your job or any business will be a much better option..
thanks,
Bhushan
February 15, 2011 at 3:13 PM
That depends on your ability to spend a year or two exclusively for the MBA. I’ve been in touch with some people who are doing distance courses and I see that they are not able to spend as much time for the course. However, they too have been well placed after the MBA so I’m sure they would have gained a good education.
February 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Dear Rahul,
Thanks for your blog.
I have done MD Pathology and working in SRL labs for three years.
Now, slowly i am realising that academics in pathology are not my taste while i am good at administration of lab operations.
Can you guide me regarding MBA orMHA now and which field to take.
Thanks ,
Ramesh
March 11, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Ramesh,
If you only want to manage a lab then either of them would help. If you want to set up your own business or move to a different business later on, get an MBA.
February 21, 2011 at 2:17 AM
hello..dr. rahul..first of all lots of thanx for creating such a usefull & practical bolg..i have given my final mbbs exam & my internship will start in few moths time,from a govt. medical college in west bengal..i am confident of earning atleast 30-35000 per moth after about 2 years..i intend to do an mba after 2 years work ex..my question is if i get into get into IIM,ISB,XLRI..then i know the salaries offered will be good enough but if dont get through to any of these top rung B-schools,,,then will be fruitful(salary wise) to go into other lower ranked B-schools.?? pls also give me a list of b schools where i can take an attempt if i fail to to get into IIM,XLRI,ISB…??also u have said that ppl from the same field are compared with each other.. so is it comparitively easier for doctors to crack the entrance exam??
March 11, 2011 at 2:51 PM
Sou: Is your only aim salary? Even after an IIM or ISB a salary (or even a job) is not guaranteed… I think you should reconsider your reasons for doing an MBA.
February 24, 2011 at 1:05 AM
Hello Rahul,
I’m a BDS grad and now finishing my MMS (MBA) in Marketing from Mumbai. There are companies visiting for campus selections and I manage to get through the selection process in many of them but the only question they ask me during my PI is ” Why the career shift?” I faced such a situation during my summers too but managed to get into Airtel then. Now, the race does not seems to end and I need an answer or a reason which justifies me against the individual interviewing me. My basics of both the educations are very clear and I’m well versed with them too but the interview hardly goes to that stage of testing. I know this is the main question for all Medicos and the answer given here can help. Kindly reply.
Regards.
March 11, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Rahul: There’s no perfect answer for this. I find that honesty usually works. Tell them the truth and they might like it.
February 25, 2011 at 2:01 PM
I will complete 46 yrs in July this yr. I am M.B.B.S.,in job for 5 yrs in pvt. hospital,in gov .dispensary for 9 yrs. I am not getting job satisfaction.Can I do M.B.A at this age.What will be my future job prospect.
March 11, 2011 at 2:53 PM
Madhu: You can definitely do an MBA at this stage. Future job prospects would depend entirely on your interests, your work experience till now and your performance in the MBA. Hospitals and pharma companies would be obvious recruiters.
March 2, 2011 at 1:42 AM
hi rahul.. firstly thanx for starting such an informative blog.. it is surely very helpful to docs thinking of going for management.
i did my bds followed by PGDHA from apollo hospital. Presently i have 2 and a half years of clinical work ex. i am good at my work bt my prob is that it doesnt pay me well. I intend to do any MBA bt i cannot go in for a full time mba at present. (nt due to financial reasons). my query is that do weekend/ part time MBA or distance learning MBA help.. in terms of a good salary and future growth.??
I would be really grateful if u could throw some light on the non full time MBA and its prospects, and colleges for the same.
Thanx in anticipation
dr. aparna
March 11, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Aparna: I’ve never been in favour of part-time courses. If your reasons really don’t permit you to go in for a full-time course, go in for a course from a good institute like IIM or ISB.
March 3, 2011 at 3:17 PM
hey rahul
i am so glad that somebody is out there answering queries. Thanks a lot .. i have one too..
i wanted to know if its possible to completely change your field post mbbs i.e. go for finance and work in a field completely unrelated to medicine , as an advisor in a corporate. if yes , then what is the scope and what kind of ppl (background wise) would i be competing with ?
March 11, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Sameer: Yes it is possible. You would be competing with people who have prior experience in that field (finance, etc.) or someone who has vast clinical/medical experience (for an advisor). The scope essentially becomes unlimited, but some relatively easier choices would be to join finance or IT companies focusing on healthcare.
March 5, 2011 at 9:42 PM
sir,i am a final year mbbs student.How mba can benifit after mbbs?will there be considerable margin in salary?
March 11, 2011 at 2:57 PM
Nishad: Salary is a function of the b school you go to and your performance. It may or may not be better than that of a doctor.
March 8, 2011 at 1:40 AM
hi rahul…shiva here…i hav just completed my mbbs n m in a dilemma whetehr to go for PG prep or shud i pursue other branches.i wasnt interested much in medicine but due to parental pressure took up mbbs but hav lost all interest in it over d yrs.i dnt want to prepare for PG but dnt hav a strong alternative.i wanted to enquire abt hospital administration.i hav found abt d masters programmes in some colleges but havnt been able to gather more info frm thr.cud u plz advise me abt hospital administration if u hav some idea abt it?i'll be highly obliged
March 11, 2011 at 2:57 PM
Shiva: Hospital management is a good field and there is a lot of demand these days. Some of the better colleges are AIIMS, TISS & Apollo.
March 9, 2011 at 2:39 AM
sir presently i am in final mbbs.my 10th 88% nd 12th 74% both from wb board.grad 60% till now.any chances in good b schools even after high cat/gmat score as my academics so poor?
March 11, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Suvam: Your academics are decent. If you get a few years of very good work experience you should be able to get into a good b school.
March 9, 2011 at 10:33 PM
Hi Rahul,
I am intern in MAMC, New Delhi
I have a business background and also interest in business also. Even, i have started investments from my second year and trade Fx currencies.
I like medicine but in a different way, I want to develop the concept of Integrated medicine in India(comprises of Allopathy, ayurveda , naturopathy and yoga mainly) on a large scale with a strong support.
I do have a little bit knowledge of these branches of alternative medicine but a strong passion to have more of it and to apply them with my knowledge of MBBS ( of course very less experience)
Rahul, I need your guidance in this regard whether MBA will be helpful in short or long term.
Also, I am planning to do MBA with my ongoing research about this setup with my investments and trading…..I know all the followers here are laughing at me, I am also, But I can't give up my attitude.
I am in a chronic confusion regarding what will be best for me, and now the time to decide the things.
Thanks for your work Rahul.
March 11, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Lokesh: An MBA would help in what you are trying to do. If your ongoing research is not a full time job it should not present a problem with the MBA.
March 14, 2011 at 11:05 PM
Hi rahul..
kudos to u for helpin out al us confused souls!! hope lifes good at ur end:)
abt me,name's ashmi. i finished my mbbs + internship last yr.. prepared last yr for PG exams but dint really study hard..as a result..dint get through.. now..plannin to study for another yr and hopin for the best.. just tht i hav always been kinda inclined towards hospital administration.. nt sure if i should just pursue this inclination of mine right now or just go where i m goin and do my MD.. wanted to know, whts the scope of doin MBA from a premier institute, say ISB post my MD.. i mean..do ppl do tht..?? and does it make sense..? is it better than workin now for a couple of yrs and doin my MBA?? coz i just dont wanna give up on MD without a genuine shot at it right now.. but yeah..its scary coz if i dont get thru next yr too..wht next,,!! And i sure as hell cant work along with preparin right now..so no work-ex for ISB right now..!!(unless they count my internship!) so yeah..help!!:0:)
Thanks!!!
March 30, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Ashmi: That’s confusing alright!!! Let me see how I can put this in perspective…
Yes, lots of docs are doing an MBA after MD also these days, but my question always is – Why spend 3 more years if you eventually wanna do hospital administration?? If you are more inclined towards hospital administration rather than an MD go for it now!
If you still wanna give MD a genuine shot, don’t worry. You can always get a job as a resident somewhere or in a non-medical role at a hospital/pharma co/clinical research co/etc. for 2 years and then do an MBA!
April 3, 2011 at 10:50 PM
Hi…
thanks for the reply!.. i know it makes sense to work towards hosp. administration immediately instead of thinkin of MD.. but i aint sure if thts wht i wanna do..!! a few inhibitions u can say!.. jujst nt 100% convinced…. dats y.. decided to give one more attempt for MD entrance n go thru with tht.. if i dont get the field of my choice. guess then i can always go back to administration.. or so i was thinking.. just wanted to know if tht makes any sense..as in.. do a lot of ppl opt for management post-md…? any advantage it gives you if u do ur md first.. or is it totally senseless.. dats wht i was wondering… u int he field so u must hav a good idea abt it….
lookin fwd to ur reply..
thanks:)
April 6, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Ashmi: yes it makes sense to give MD a shot if you want to. No harm with that. I was just trying to say that if you are sure you want to do hospital admin later then an MD is a waste. There are quite a few people who do an MBA after MD, and they are quite successful too.
March 27, 2011 at 11:26 PM
is it a good option for an indian MBBS doc 2 do MHA from a univ fm UK? wil i need to clear PLAB to work in UK after doin MHA fm there for working in d administrative field? n how is d pay like?
also, wil it fetch good opportunities in india?
March 30, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Geet: I really don’t know much about UK MHA and the process for doing one there. But yeah, if the university you do your MHA from is reputed, there will be opportunities in India (or any other country for that matter).
March 31, 2011 at 10:26 PM
hello rahul,
i am in my 4th year right now
like everyone here not satisfied with the medical studies
from child hood i had an analytical mind but was forced to enter medical field
( made it to MBBS owing to my exceptional performance in physics and chemistry )
i am in a dilemma right now
everyone here says that your career choice should depend on where you see yourself after say +10 years
i like the idea of being a doctor but the problem is that medical studies are not meant for me i do not enjoy mugging subjects nor i do i listen to lectures
i have always enjoyed subjects where you have to apply logic (like maths) and medical studies is contrary to it its all about following regular protocols
i know that just on the basis that you love maths jumping into management would be a foolish mistake
but what i am suppose to do when i have immense potential (analytical skill) that goes to waste while i am in Medicine
there is that constant feeling that i can do something else which i actually enjoy and very good at rather than dragging myself year after year
from being an extraordinary i have reduced to an average guy
i find finance as a career option as i believe it will do justice to capabilities
one more thing i have not been an outspoken person since childhood and so i ask is there an inherent temperament or skill set required for being a successful manager?
May 10, 2011 at 11:05 AM
hi rahul ,i have similiar experience , please reply to this question
May 17, 2012 at 7:02 PM
Oh Man Exactly my story ! Rahul please reply,
April 6, 2011 at 1:58 PM
hi rahul,
i m a doc perusing my internship from my college in uttrakhand , initially i had decided to do PG preparations n get through it….. for which i was taking non objection certificate from my college n prepare for PG but now m finding that life as a medico is very tough n i want easy going life m also having great interest in dancing as from childhood i was a good dancer…… so now m confused what to do , whether go for PG ,preparation or do intership n then prepare for MBA …… what is the pay scale after doing MBA for an MBBS…..
April 6, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Mayuri: Life with an MBA will definitely not be easy going! If you want a good job and good pay you definitely gotta work hard! Pay scales vary widely by industry and by company so I can’t give you a figure.
BTW, neither MBA nor MD should come in the way of dancing! There are lots of doctors who are also very accomplished singers and dancers and have made a mark in that space too, apart from having successful practices.
April 7, 2011 at 12:40 PM
hi sir,
i ve just started my mbbs internship and in future want to become an entrepreneur.
i am confident that i can also do good in business but problem is that till now i ain't have no exposure to this corporate world and neither have any relevant family background.
i definitely want to go for an mba in future, but i am also confident of getting a pg seat this or next year. i just wanted to ask what is the better option – applying for an mba now, or after doing my pg? And whether my pg will make any difference as work experience?
July 17, 2011 at 12:11 PM
Ankur: PG will make a difference in work experience. If your future business ideas pertain to a specific field in medicine, go for a PG in that field. Otherwise do an MBA.
April 8, 2011 at 5:34 PM
hi rahul, enjoyed reading your blog!
I am a final year medical student from russia and I want to persue MBA Somewhere outside Russia or India.
I wanna know What steps should I take to get into any good B-school after completion of my med degree.
I don't wanna work as a doctor and would love to work close to medicine so my 6 years don't go to waste. Please point me to the right direction and also is it necessary to prove my medical degree from russia to get admission in a B-school, have work experience, and some other requirements if any.
few other questions
Are degrees from New Zealand, Australia, Canada as good as US ones?
Does it matter which B-school i attend?
What B-school should I aim for?
What kinda MBA should I opt for?
How hard is it to get a proper Job after MBA?
You can add any more suggestions if you like but please try n explain in detail, I know its not that easy to keep your blog running and answering everyones questions, But good deals pay in their own way, So thanks for doing this for all of us and please do reply.
God bless you and keep up the good work.
July 17, 2011 at 12:15 PM
Yashveer: Whether you have to prove your degree or not depends on the b-school you apply to. They should recognise the university you studied from. Work experience is always better for an MBA. There are good universities everywhere, you’ll have to select the better ones. Yes, the b-school you attend does matter to a certain extent. Aim for a good b-school, one which provides courses that you like and is decently well known. The MBA you opt for depends on your preference and career goal.
April 28, 2011 at 9:44 AM
Check this out as well..
Why a doctor need to think beyond his boundary. Why not health of a hospital but not just limiting to look after health of few patients..
http://teamsconsultancy.blog.com/?p=72
April 30, 2011 at 12:00 PM
hello sir,
My name is thomas .i finished my internship last month . i am planning to do mba and tried a shot at xat . my xat percentile was 80% and so i tried to get into a few good colleges but in vain.my score during 10 th(icse) 79%,12th(isc)78 %and mbbs score 61%.will any reputed B schools accept me with this score and how can i improve my stats .please advice
thanks in advance
July 17, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Thomas: I think you need a better score in XAT… the rest of the marks look OK.
May 2, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Dear Dr. Rahul,
I am dr. meher .i am an anaesthetist currently in the army with a long term plan of doing an MBA.
Firstly, my heartfelt thanks for providing us with much needed guidance and advice.
Serving in a remote area, with no facilities for internet even at someplaces,I would greatly appreciate your guidance and direction.
1.how to go about preparing for the GMAT?what books, how much time andwhether coaching is always necessary?
2.should I finalise the institutes before even writing the GMAT?
3.could you suggest some books/material for GMAT?i would need to brush up on my math and analytical skills.
Would greatly appreciate specific answers .
p.s may I contact you directly for more detailed clarifications?
July 17, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Dr. Meher: You definitely need to get the Official GMAT Guide and pick up a couple of more books from coaching institutes like Kaplan or Princeton. Coaching is useful, but if you are dedicated you can do without it too. Its not necessary to finalise you b-school before writing the GMAT.
May 4, 2011 at 10:22 AM
hi rahul,
i,m doing my internship now…i want to do mba in hospital care management…will u please guide me regarding the study material for the entrance exam….after MBBS i'm confused whether mba r post graduation is a gud choice for my future????kindly help me out..
regards,
July 17, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Sandhya: The study material depends on the exam you need to give to get that MBA. If the institute you are looking for accepts CAT or GMAT scores sign up for a good coaching institute.
May 4, 2011 at 10:23 PM
I would like to appreciate u, for all ur guidance n help.
May god bless u …….. for ur efforts & energy that u spend for strangers like all of us .
Cheers,
dr.k
July 17, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Thanks!
May 5, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Sir,I am a BAMS graduate from Pune.Would like to know about the career prospects post MBA?I have heard that the number of pharma or healthcare companies visiting the campus is very less.I am in confusion.Kindly advice me towards the right path.Waiting in anticipation of ur favourable reply.thank u.
July 17, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Dr. Maithili: The list of career prospects is given in my post above. Usually the number of healthcare companies is less compared to IT or finance, but then the number of doctors in a b-school is also less than the others. It’s also good to have a backup plan to find a job for yourself if the college is unable to place you.
May 11, 2011 at 3:27 PM
hello rahul!
though u'v ben hearin dis frm a lot of ppl, i hav to tell u agan dat u r doin a commendable job of enlightening n educatin so many medicos who r facin uncertainty n r in dilemma regardin d next step. cudos on being a role model.
i am an mbbs graduate , finished with my intrnshp dis yer.
i got married aftr completin mbbs. my husband s a software professional n wrkn in blore.
d reason m mentionin dese facts s dat wotevr i wish 2 do ahead depends a lot on dese factors as well.
i wish 2 deviate frm d medical field n lik my hsbnd wanna hav a nine 2 five job n weekends free. aftr havin read all ur posts its pretty clear dat best s 2 acquire an expernc of 2 to 3 yrs n den go fr an mba frm som premier ins. bt i am alredy 26 yrs old n married, hav family responsibilities n so i cant thnk of smthn too flashy. all i wanna say s dat if i go fr mha rt nw in blore (which unfrtuntly doesnt hav any top institute fr mha) , what wud b d carrer prospects keepin in mind d presnt scenario? as a fresher wud i b able to secure a decent job 4 myslf? m convent educated, confident with a dynamic personality.
plz lemme kno dat if i apply 4 jobs in healthcare sector nw , wot shud b my objective or wot kinda role can i luk for which can b of help later in doin mba. bein a medico i hv no idea regardin corporate sector. i dont evn kno wot r d options i hv in d industry or wer i wud fit in. (also wot i will b gud at doin).
in a nut shell m an mbbs, wid no wrk ex, nt willin 2 wrk as a duty doc, confident wid gud communicatn n verbal skills.
plz advice hw shud i proceed.
will doin mha (nt frm a top institute) widout any wrk ex will b a total waste?
thank u for readin patiently.
hina.
July 17, 2011 at 12:08 PM
Hina: Most MHAs I know work 6 days a week! So if the only reason you wanna move from medicine to admin is shorter working hours that’s not going to happen. But otherwise, doing an MHA without work experience would get you an entry level job at a hospital (executive, etc.).
June 12, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Your Blog is really great sir.. It has helped me a lot to make my decision to persue MBA..
I am a final year BDS student..i ve done good academicaly throughout ..my internship ends in july 2012..
So my question is can i apply for CAT 2011…as in will i be eligible to join any institutes in july 2012 .. And will 4-5 months of dedicated preparations will be enough to crack CAT? Since i have been out of touch with most of the subjects..though i was good at languages and maths .. Or should i wait for CAT 2012 ?
July 17, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Deepika: I think you should send a mail to the admissions departments of a couple of IIMs. They will be able to give you a better answer to your admission query. If you can work full-time for 4-5 months on the preparation that should be good, but if you’re not able to do a full-time prep I suggest you wait another year and prepare better.
June 27, 2011 at 2:33 PM
hello,m a mbbs student…interested in doing mba bt very confused ..firstly i do not want to practise n i want to go to a administration line..is it suitable to do MBA?..m 4m agartala n here i did nt find ny doctor who did mba after mbbs..i realy wnt to work n go to a corporate world..it isa lifetme decision 4 me bcoz i hv to prepare 4 PG or CAT..n hv to convince my parents…plz help
July 17, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Monalisa: I’m not sure how I can help you out here… have you thought of the reasons why you don’t want to do a PG? And what are your reasons for going in for an MBA?
July 5, 2011 at 2:52 AM
Sir, im a final yr medical student… And off late ive cme to knw that medical field is nt what my heart says..! I would like to change my field… I got 90.4% in 10th… 86% in 12th..! Nd in mbbs til nw it is 62%… Can i get into a good b-school aft getin g gud gmat or cat score..? I ve realized that doctor works for almost 14-16hrs a day… (clinical side) nd aft that earns 2-3lac pm..! I would b realy happy working for 8-10hrs nd earning 1-1.5 lac pm…
July 17, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Ashish: Yes you can get into a good b-school with a good CAT or GMAT score. Even in the industry you’re not guaranteed to earn 1-1.5 lac by working 8-10 hours though. If your only aim is to earn more, I suggest you think again about an MBA.
July 6, 2011 at 5:49 PM
hi rahul,
i scored 85%in tenth,82% in twlth and my currnt aggregate in college is 74%. i am doin bachelors in physiotherapy (final year) from a government college.i want to know about the job prospects of mba for a physiotherapy graduate like me. Is there any difference between d criteria fr a mbbs graduate and a graduate frm sm othr medical field like physiotherapy? also please mention d career aspects post mba.
and dis blog was really enlightening i must say.
regards,
prateek
July 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Prateek: I’m not really sure what the job prospects for a physiotherapy graduate will be after an MBA.
July 8, 2011 at 9:03 AM
Hi Rahul,
I am currently PGY1 MD Pathology at BJMC, Ahmedabad
Planning to pursue MBA after MD is done
1) When should I start my preparation? And how?
2) How many times can I give GMAT?
3) As my goal is MBA, what should my preference be? ISB/CAT/any other exam/Institute?
Hoping for prompt reply
July 17, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Nitish: You should start your prep whenever you feel comfortable. However, I suggest starting early as by the final year of PG you would get busy preparing for the PG finals. Join a coaching class over the weekends. There is not limit to the number of times you can give GMAT, but usually your previous scores are also reported to the b-school you apply to, so it’s better to get a good score in the first attempt. You should try for both ISB and the CAT institutes.
July 13, 2011 at 11:23 PM
hi rahul,
i think you done fantastic job @ creatg tis site n appreciate d dedication..
hav done wit ma mbbs tis year ….preparing for pg cet…i lov medicine no doubt…but latly hav doubts of being a dr….i lik treating pts n al but dont lik d expectatns of ppl of actg lik dr…its overdon..i don no i cod b talking tis outa frustratn as m jus sitg n studyg day in n out 2 get a pg seat….not working….wer ppl ma age are earing n doing wat tey want 2…..end of day i jus wonder wats d use of being intelligent n studing so much wen nw i stil hav 2 ask ma parents of money..agrrrr..i hate tat felg…wich tryg 2 avoid wit logic tat i shod conc on studyg n al…..plz ignor tis is not ma q…
i havg ideas of dng mba./mha if pg din work out or after tat….jus not sure if hav d rt apptitud 4 it…if u could help…
10th 84% 12th 81% though got maths 98/100 pcm 94% was bad @ languages
mbbs agregate 68%
m good at organizing bt bad @ leadership….not v god @ socializing skills
if i do an mba wich fields can i enter n does ma medicine background b useful in it???
waitg 4 reply thanks
July 17, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Pallavi: Leadership and networking are important whether you do an MBA or not. But both are skills that you can pick up over time. After an MBA the obvious choices would be something related to healthcare, but you can go for any thing else that interests you too.
July 14, 2011 at 3:20 PM
hi rahul,
first of all would like to thank you for tking an initiative to help all confused medicos like me
i am in my internship right nw, i joined a coaching for preparing for pg exams but nw m realising that i m bettr suited for administratn …. i also hv plans to open my own buissness some day , so i just find it useless to pursue medicine any longer but m still in dilemma coz my grad score is not that good
10th – 80.2 %
12th – 84%
mbbs – 60 %
i m worrried that wil i be able to get into good b-schools like iims or not …. and i want to pursue degree in finance not health sector…. kindly guide me …. waiting for ur reply
July 17, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Shrey: If it helps my grad score was worse! 🙂
July 24, 2011 at 11:42 AM
hello sir.. i have completed my mbbs in 2008… worked for 5 months and then started preparing for pg entrance but i could not get through..also i was not sure if i wanted to pursue post grad in medicine.. i was always interested in management…. in the process i wasted my three years preparing for aipg exams… i have scored an average of 63 % in my mbbs… now i want to pursue mba .. do u think i have a future in healthcare sector… please guide me..
August 10, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Vishal: Yes you can pursue a career in management in the healthcare sector. If you are serious about doing management then prepare for CAT/GMAT and give it a shot.
July 24, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Hello sir, I am a student of SCMHRD which is specifically known for its HR.
I am presently inclined towards hr because of the college.
Do the healthcare-related companies prefer doctors for hr profile when recruiting? What is the growth potential in hr in healthcare presently?
Companies coming to campus are GSK, DRL, Biocon, J&J Medical, Becton Dickenson.
August 10, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Smit: I’ve not seen many doctors in HR in hospitals yet, but I don’t see any reason why a doctor can’t take that post. I doubt there would be any preference for doctors though. Growth prospects are good, esp since companies are fast recognising the importance of a good HR department.
July 24, 2011 at 12:31 PM
dear rahul,
i m doing my dnb and in first yr now. . i m very much interested in doing mba .. but the question that comes is which will be a decent college and which branch of mba will be good? . . is there something called research marketing? . . and wat r the prospects of getting into a dubai company after indian mba? i m good at english language and have been a good speaker all through my life. . . m ready to work hard in management stream . . but how do i prepare and wat books should i read? should i read for gmat or cat? wat r the chances of getting into isb? do isb people prefer mbbs doctors (like say 5 % of class they want docs?) should i take coaching or do self study? should i study while doing my dnb or take leave and prepare? wat is the fees and wat duration is mba in isb sir? plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz helpppppppp for mba now seems my limpid pool of desire
August 10, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Sundeet: Pick any of the top 10 colleges from whichever ranking you like, they’re all good. The branch of MBA would depend on what you are interested in. They’re all good according to me. There is something called “Marketing research”, I’m not sure of “Research marketing”. I’m not sure how the healthcare sector in Dubai is, but I do know of people who have done their MHA and then joined hospitals in Dubai. I suggest you join a coaching class for preparing for CAT/GMAT. If you can manage the preparation alongwith your DNB then go right ahead. Your choice of CAT or GMAT would depend on which colleges you want to apply to. ISB tries to get some diversity in their class, but there is no minimum limit on doctors. If there aren’t good applicants they may not take any. The duration of the ISB MBA is 12 months. You can get the fees details from their site.
July 31, 2011 at 1:19 AM
Hey Sir..
I am a final yr student..internship wud start soon..i needed to know a few thngs..
1.Is it true dat IT ppl need to score more than medicos in GMAT coz majority appearing for d exam are IT guyz..n d school needs diversity..
2.How many months do u thnk r sufficient for preparation for GMAT??
3.Are there any prospects abroad once u r post graduated from ISB??
Waiting for ur reply..thanks.
August 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Kunjan: 1. I don’t think that’s really true. Your scores will be compared to the other doctors who apply, not the IT applicants. So if the doctors who apply have a higher average score than the IT applicants you would need a higher score!
2. I don’t think there’s a standard answer to that question. It’ll depend on how confident you feel after the preparation and how you are scoring in the mock tests.
3. Yes, there definitely are prospects abroad. A large part of the class gets placed abroad, even the healthcare guys.
August 1, 2011 at 9:04 PM
does nybody here wud like to add on about d job prospects aftr an mba fr a physiotherapy graduate………i shall b highly obliged…
August 19, 2011 at 12:34 PM
hi rahul,
i am a dentist fom mcods manipal..i have finished my intership n wasted last year preparing for pgi.e mds bt cud nt get through..i am really interested in mba..i just wanted to know is it fine to have a career shift?i wanted to know the job prospects post mba as a dentist..i hope i will be able to make it through the entrance exams bt wanted to get rid of these confusions..
thanks
snigdha
August 31, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Snighda: A career shift would be fine, but not if you think life will be easier in management. The prospects for a dentist after an MBA would be almost the same as for another doctor.