Hi everybody, I'm currently a first year medical student at a well ranked medical school in the US (a non-ivy private school). My undergraduate was at UC San Diego, and I graduated with a 3.45 GPA and a Biology major. My current work experiences: 1 yr being a program developer at a large hospital internship (trained people, worked with hospital leadership to make program better. etc) + 1 year managing a small drug addiction clinic (6 beds) that just opened, so I helped streamline operations and get it on its feet from a middle-manager type position. After that, I went to medical school so my work experience is quite light.
Now, I won't be applying to B-school until my 3rd year of med school (I will be taking a break between years 3 and 4 to do B-school). That gives me time to think about how to craft myself as an applicant. I will NOT be doing a traditional MD/MBA. Rather, I am doing my MD, taking a break from it in the middle, doing a full 2 yr MBA, then coming back. This is because I'd like to do an MBA at a school besides my own.
What I have going for me right at this moment:
- President of the student council - got some great things going, successful fundraisers, upcoming initiatives, etc.
- Currently part of a special program where we work with PhD engineering students and learn to find a medical need, prototype a solution, pitch to investors, and bring it to market. I'm expecting that by the end of 3 years, we should have something substantial to show for it (at the very least a patent if not commercialization). This is going well so far.
What I'm planning to do in the near future:
- I'm currently identifying a community project to work on - my primary interest is using digital technology to improve chronic disease management. My school is in an area with a high prevalence of diabetes. Hopefully this will take off soon. This project will ideally last 1-2 years at least.
- I should have time this summer to get an internship somewhere if necessary.
I will be taking the GMAT this summer (will aim for mid 700s, and I believe I'm capable of it especially after the MCAT), and I will apply in 3 years time so that's how much time I have to build my profile. My case for "Why an MBA": in the context of a changing healthcare landscape, there will have to be doctors that know how to lead hospitals and healthcare organizations towards the new paradigm of value and wellness coupled with lower cost. Ideally, we'll do this by using innovative business models and relying more on technology as a force multiplier. I'd like to be in that space.
I've asked about this in the general applicaton forum but I'd like to get opinions on my chances at Harvard specifically. What other facets of my profile should I improve? What should I add? Am I spinning my story well considering my extracurriculars? What other experiences should I seek out?
I appreciate the help, thank you.