accounting , healthcare policy and ethics , managerial economics , managerial finance , international business , strategic decision making , and healthcare informatics .
Brian Griffith , PhD , an associate professor in WVSOM ’ s Department of Biomedical Sciences who serves as the school ’ s director of affiliated programs , worked with UC to establish the dual degree program . Griffith said the program positions WVSOM to produce medical students who have the business skills to build successful careers . It will also give students an advantage during the residency selection process that takes place before the completion of medical school .
“ Healthcare knowledge is only one part of being a successful physician , so earning two degrees will better prepare our students to enter the healthcare profession ,” Griffith said . “ Learning about managing businesses will give them a better understanding of how to run an individual or group practice or work in healthcare administration . We also hope the program will help students be selected for top-tier residency programs because they will have an additional degree .”
Linda Boyd , DO , WVSOM ’ s vice president for academic affairs and dean , said she is pleased that the partnership provides the school ’ s medical students an educational option they haven ’ t had in the past .
“ Many applicants to medical school look for opportunities to expand their education by getting a dual degree . An MBA is one of the most popular degrees to get while in medical school . The University of Charleston brings students a quality education at an affordable cost , and we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our students who choose to learn more about the business of healthcare ,” Boyd said .
Image 1 : WVSOM President James W . Nemitz , PhD , and University of Charleston President Marty Roth , PhD , MBA , sign a memorandum of understanding on April 17 for the DO / MBA program , which launched in July 2023 .
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