University to host conference for MD/MBA programs

University to host conference for MD/MBA programs

In order to address the growing need for business education in the healthcare field, Boston University (BU) has announced it will hold a conference for providers of joint MD/MBA programs.

BU Today reports that the medical school's own program, which typically attracts one student per year, increased its enrollment to nine degree seekers this year. School officials attribute this growth to national concerns over healthcare reform and increased promotion of the multifaceted curriculum.

Furthermore, experts suggest that doctors who wish to own their own practices may benefit from higher education in business, as the number of physician-owned offices fell below 50 percent between 2005 and 2008, the New York Times reports.

N. Stephen Ober, director of BU's MD/MBA program, added that many doctors are becoming dissatisfied in their current positions due to the recession and growing infringements on their rights, according to BU Today.

"Saying 'that's the business stuff, leave me alone' - those days are over," he told the news source.

School administrators say that individuals who wish to work in academic or health policy administration, new drug or device development or medical policy will be best suited for these programs.

By Stefanie Hughes