NEW Joint MD/MBA Program
The healthcare industry is increasingly complex, requiring physicians to be adept in both clinical practice and healthcare management. Integrating the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) Doctor of Medicine (MD) program with the GW School of Business (GWSB) Global Master of Business Administration (Global MBA) offers a unique opportunity to cultivate physician-leaders equipped to navigate both patient care and healthcare administration. Currently, many physicians assume administrative roles without formal business training, leading to inefficiencies in hospital management and healthcare delivery. This combined MD and MBA curriculum, prepares physician-leaders who are competent in both patient care and business strategy.
Learn more about the Global MBA Program through the School of Business
Admissions
Students applying to the GW’s MD program will be eligible to apply to the MD/MBA program and can indicate that in their secondary application. The deadline to apply to be considered for the dual degree program will be September 30th of each academic year and only for incoming/first year students. Applications after September 30th of the first year of medical school will not be allowed. Acceptance into the MD program by the MD program admissions committee will also guarantee acceptance into the MD/MBA program for those that indicated their preference in the secondary application (or until September 30th of their first year of medical school for those that are already matriculated into the MD program).
Program Structure and Curriculum
The MD/MBA program spans five years, integrating medical and business curricula.
Years 1-3: Students focus on GW’s standard and robust medical school pre-clinical curriculum. MD/MBA students will be encouraged to apply to the SMHS Clinical Practice Innovation and Entrepreneurship scholarly concentration, which is relevant to their dual degree studies, but they will be allowed to choose any other scholarly concentration or not participate in a scholarly concentration.
Year 4: Students transition to the Global MBA program (May to May), engaging in core business courses alongside experiential learning opportunities. The MBA coursework includes:
Fall Semester:
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Leadership Lab
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Financial Accounting
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Finance
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Decision Making and Data Analysis
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Professionalism as a Performative Art
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Organizations and Human Capital
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Strategic Management I
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Microeconomics for Global Economy
Spring Semester:
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Accounting for Internal Decision-Making
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Strategic Management II
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Operations Management
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Competition in the Global Economy
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Marketing
Required Electives:
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Analytics / Tech-Focused Course(s)
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Technology for Business in DC
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Business Ethics and Public Policy
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The year culminates with the Consulting Abroad Program (CAP), providing students with firsthand experience in international business consulting. Students gain practical experience in the global environment through engagement in projects provided by international or foreign companies. A representative of the company visits GW to work with students during the associated practicum. Students work on projects during the seven-week practicum prior to the international residency.
Year 5: Students return to complete their senior year of medical education (MD program courses with some business electives).
Program FAQs
Who can apply for the MD/MBA Program?
Students applying to GW's MD Program are eligible to apply and can indicate that in their secondary application. The deadline to apply to be considered for the dual degree program is September 30th when applying to the SMHS or September 30th during the M1 year while at SMHS. As with the standalone MD program, potential applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Resident, DACA recipient, or Canadian Citizen.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must meet the admission requirements for both the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and the GW School of Business (GWSB). The GMAT/GRE is not required for the MD/MBA program since applicants will have an MCAT score.
When and how do I apply for the MD/MBA Program?
Applications are accepted during the medical school application cycle. Students interested in the program should explain their interest in the program in their secondary application. If a student becomes interested after matriculation they have until September 30th of their first medical school year to apply.
Do I need to complete a practicum or Capstone for the MBA?
Yes, students participate in the Consulting Abroad Project (CAP), where they work on nternational business consulting engagements. This experience provides hands-on exposure to global business challenges relevant to healthcare management.
What is the tuition for the MD/MBA Program?
Students pay tuition for three years of MD coursework at SMHS, one year of MBA coursework at GWSB, and one final year of MD coursework. MBA tuition is subject to the rates set by GWSB, and financial aid options are available. This is a savings as an MBA is typically 2 years of tuition.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, students are eligible for federal financial aid for both the MD and MBA portions of the program as long as they meet the requirements set by the federal loan program. Financial aid applications are managed through the SMHS Office of Financial Aid.
Can I transfer into or out of the MD/MBA Program?
Students may apply for the MD/MBA program only during the medical school application cycle and until September 30th of their first medical school year. After that date, students cannot be transferred to the MB/MBA program. Transfers from the MD/MBA to the standard MD or MBA program are possible if students decide to discontinue the MBA or MD portion respectively.
Will I be able to engage in clinical activities during the MBA year?
Students are encouraged to engage in clinical activities, but their schedule will primarily be focused on MBA coursework. Some flexibility may be available for MD program elective coursework depending on the demands of the business curriculum.
How will this program benefit my career?
Graduates of the MD/MBA program will be well-positioned for leadership roles in healthcare administration, hospital management, health policy, consulting, and entrepreneurship. The program provides a competitive advantage for residency applications and long-term career growth in both medicine and business.
