Throughout the course, students are required to submit an essay and make a brief presentation on a topic within the external environment of the studied countries, which could be cultural, social, political, legal or otherwise. Teams also design presentations on a medical issue in one of the two studied countries. Each student submits an individual essay analyzing a healthcare issue in one of the countries, comparing it to the United States healthcare system.
In addition to the global healthcare elective course, all physician MBA students travel to Washington D.C. to learn first-hand about healthcare reform and public policy through coursework at the Washington Campus.
“I think it’s been life-altering, to be honest with you. It’s made me look at things in such a different way than I used to,” said Goldrath, as he reflected on the 21-month Business of Medicine MBA program.
“From day one, there are things we’ve learned in school that I’ve been able to bring back to my practice,” said Wright. “A lot of those things are operationally related: ways to be more efficient and ways to engage physicians and patients. I’ve learned negotiation skills that I was recently able to use to advocate for my department. Even personally, I find myself to be more confident, more assertive, and better able to lead. I find I’m a better communicator, and I’m able to handle conflicts more efficiently and appropriately.”
“You get a clear understanding of what’s happening in medicine early on in the program. You learn to understand this a reality, and things have to change, and you realize you can participate in making those changes,” said Goldrath. “I feel like now I can really make a difference, and I have. That’s what this whole program is about: creating physician leaders, and helping physicians make a difference.”