M.B.A. Degree Gives Alumna an Edge in Medical School Monday, March 26, 2012
Meet Dora Leibu
Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel
Now living in: Philadelphia, Pa.
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Degrees earned: B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry, Montclair State University; M.B.A. with a concentration in International Business, Point Park University
Graduation years: B.S. in 2006; M.B.A. in 2010
Interests: Visiting museums and volunteering at health clinics
What did you decide to pursue an M.B.A. degree?
Business is an important aspect of medicine and often something that is missing from medical education. I wanted to become acquainted with business administration before entering medical school and earn my M.B.A. degree beforehand so I wouldn't have to stay in medical school another year. Plus, at the time I was still going through the medical school application process so it was an opportune time.
Why did you choose Point Park?
My aunt is a physician in Pittsburgh and several of her patients' children went to Point Park. They had great experiences and only good things to say about the school. Also, some of the individuals I was studying with for my MCATs had gone to Point Park and said how they loved it there.
What role did earning an M.B.A. degree play in helping you get accepted to medical school?
During my interview with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, they were impressed with the response I had regarding why I had already earned an M.B.A.. I told them: "Business drives medicine so if you really want to know medicine in the U.S., you have to know the economy." I aced my interview because of that.
How has earning an M.B.A. benefited you in your doctoral work?
It is helping to make me more of a complete doctor and see the bigger picture. In every class, even the ones that are totally clinical, we talk about health care and the relationships we have with patients and their insurance companies. Based on what I've learned, I'm able to evaluate how money is being allocated and have a whole new level of understanding and tolerance for the business world of health care.
How would you describe Point Park's M.B.A. professors?
The professors are very informative and are able to explain incredibly difficult concepts in terms that are straight-forward. Before earning my M.B.A., I didn't have a background in business. However, I didn't have any difficulties in the program because the professors explained the concepts so well and were always there to help.
What are your career goals after medical school?
I would definitely like to work with kids and am leaning toward child and adolescent psychiatry. I'm leaving the door open for family practice too. Years down the road my goal is to manage my own practice and treat families living in urban areas.
Photo by Yan Kiriakov