Making the Grade

Physician MBA Program Creates Medical Entrepreneurs and Physician Executives

“With great power comes great responsibility.” That may be a line from a popular movie about a comic book superhero, but it holds true for physicians who are poised to cross the line from clinician to executive or entrepreneur. While doctors obey the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm to their patients, there is no such solemn affirmation when entering the business world in a medical managerial capacity.

As an increasing number of physicians explore new opportunities in health management organizations, integrated health systems, urgent care centers, physician group practices, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare facilities, they must possess the abilities that are critical in executive roles.

Lois Lister, senior vice president and managing principal of the executive search division of Cejka Search, describes the aptitudes common among physicians: critical thinking skills, thoroughness, the ability to solve complex problems, strong motivation to be successful, and in many cases, the ability to work well with other physicians.¹ Lister notes, however, “Medical training and clinical practice do not encourage development of all characteristics and habits that executives must have to succeed and advance into top-level positions.”¹

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