The dual degree orthopedic surgeon: A survey of the trends, motivations, and perceived value of the master of business administration degree

Abstract

Orthopedic ReviewsOrthopedic surgeons are obtaining Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees at an increasing rate. This study aimed to identify the motivations, trends, and perceived value of the MBA degree for these dual degree surgeons. A total of 157 orthopedic surgeons with both MD and MBA degrees were surveyed with a 19-item questionnaire to identify surgeons' motivations for obtaining an MBA degree and the perceived value of the degree. A total of 66 responses (42%) were received. Most respondents (89.4%) viewed the MBA degree as either extremely valuable or valuable. Prior to obtaining an MBA, 71.9% of dual degree surgeons dedicated time to administrative duties outside of the clinic. This number increased to 98.4% after receiving an MBA (p < 0.001). With the growing number of surgeons pursuing MBA degrees, there is a decrease in the time spent in the clinical role suggesting that either the non-clinical burden is increasing, or surgeons choose to re-allocate their time. Despite the high direct costs of an MBA, a majority of orthopedic surgeons perceived the MBA degree as a valuable investment they would pursue again.

Exploring a Masters of Business Administration’s Impact on Surgical Subspecialists

“…Plastic and orthopedic surgery had similar percentages (89%-96%) of male MD/MBAs while ophthalmology was lower at 80%. 6,7,10,11 This is similar to the gender composition of plastic and orthopedic surgery as a whole, with 83%, and 94% male predominance, respec- Abbreviations: MBA, Master of Business Administration tively. 13 By contrast, 57.5% of practicing ophthalmologists are male.…”

“…We reviewed two studies that disclosed salary information; surprisingly, 65% of the 83 surgeons included in these studies reported no change in salary. 6,7 This contradicts previous literature including a survey by Goldman that found the average starting salary of MD/MBAs to be $292,500 compared to $192,196 for non-MBA counterparts. 25 Similarly, Butcher and Hall reported a higher average starting salary for physicians who supplemented clinical work with leadership roles or business pursuits.…”

“…Covered here are two orthopedic articles, one based on survey data from 127 respondents and the other on public domain information of 66 surgeons. 7,11 Another study is derived from the survey responses of 19 plastic surgeons, and the final study is extrapolated from public domain information of 120 ophthalmologists. 6,10 Descriptive statistics were employed to compare the articles chosen; statistical analysis beyond this was hindered by the heterogeneity of metrics assessed in each study as well as differences in sample size.…”

“…This evolution was accelerated in the post-COVID era, and research suggests physicians with managerial training may better weather it. 7,8 The literature is limited regarding how those physicians use their MBA degree and what impact it has on their careers. Current literature suggests most surgical subspecialists with MD/MBAs remain clinically active, and those that do not commonly occupy administrative roles.…”

Results of a Nationwide Practice Survey of Orthopaedic Traumatologists

“…These include questions regarding the value of fellowship training, sex differences in surgeon income, and the value of further, nonorthopaedic education. [7][8][9] All studies of this type have the same inherent limitation: In the absence of near-perfect survey completion or nuanced demographic considerations, these polls suffer from selection bias. Nevertheless, these surveys provide the best insight, to date, regarding topics elusive to objective study.…”