xRead - Outside the Box (March 2024) - Full Articles

World J Surg (2018) 42:1655–1665

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population health in the USA. According to Koegh [14], over 50% of graduates reported that improved problem solving and decision-making skills learned gave them confidence in addressing public health issues. Hall [18] discovered that MD/MBA graduates had a better under standing of how to appropriately evaluate and implement data findings and study design to population health prob lems, with particular emphasis on addressing issues of access to care, quality and cost. In addition, Sherrill [12] asserts that the dual degree prepares PEs to make influen tial changes in the future of medicine in this country. Frich [22] reports that the MBA curriculum addresses health care and strategy to improve population health in the USA. Likewise, Butcher [29] postulates that dual degrees create opportunities for healthcare operations research in which clinical researchers and healthcare administrators are better able to identify ways to improve healthcare delivery. Both Lazarus [30] and Lusco [26] argue that the value of the MBA to PEs is well demonstrated through research of organizational performance which showed that PSs improved the quality and effective of services while plac ing greater emphasis on population health. The value of career advancement among dual-degree graduates was identified by 12 studies. Parekh [24] and Koegh [14] identified that [ 80% of medical graduates reported the MBA had been essential to, or very useful in, the advancement of their careers. According to Butcher [19], the MBA gives physicians a level of credibility to pursue advanced leadership jobs. Additionally, Krupat [17] discovered that dual-degree graduates found continued upward professional trajectories within the realm of med icine while, at the same time, gaining unique new per spectives and skills. Hall [18] reported that MBA graduates will be optimally positioned to assume leadership positions in healthcare institutions and industry. Likewise, Sherrill [12] reported significantly higher incomes for MD/MBA graduates, as well as the attainment of higher leadership positions (e.g., CEO or medical director) being highly associated with the dual degree. Furthermore, Sherrill [9] found that the MBA presented unique career opportunities for innovation, influence and leadership. Satiani [15] emphasizes that business training enables PEs to close the gap between their basic medical skills and abilities and those needed for higher-level positions. Patel [21] reported unique offers for job opportunities both clinical and non-clinical, including consulting, Personal and lifestyle Career advancement (n = 12)

physicians with dual degrees in business contribute favor ably to the financial well-being of an institution.

Negotiation/conflict resolution (n = 7)

The importance of conflict resolution as a benefit of MBA training was examined by seven studies. Parekh [24] reported that 32% of survey respondents felt that they were able to negotiate more effectively after completing the degree. Satiani [15] found that dual-degree graduates attained the knowledge required to effectively address issues such as achieving buy-in from employees, over coming resistance and constructing a change plan. Frich [22] identified that the MBA promotes a culture of accountability and alignment toward conflict resolution for PEs. Similarly, Orlando [4] found that graduates were more efficient at negotiating for specific results or outcomes and were more effective in terms of developing teams and resolving conflict. Zheng [11] identified that the MBA facilitates that development of both analytical and soft skills, such as negotiations and conflict resolutions. Graduates report the ability to communicate more clearly and negotiate more effectively with other hospital administrators and execu tives. Likewise, Spehar [16] emphasized that PEs are taught not to exclusively rely on their professional exper tise and experience in negotiations with staff. Furthermore, Attri [25] identified that surgeons are informed about the importance of respect and role recognition with their anesthesiologist counterparts to prevent suboptimal or tense social interactions intra- and extra-operatively which may affect the patient experience. The knowledge gained by MD–MBA’s relating to the cost burden of malpractice litigation on the healthcare system was investigated by two studies. Parekh [24] asserted that MD/MBA’s were equipped with the skill set to better survive in the climate of increasing malpractice litigation. Meanwhile, Satiani [27] found the burden of litigation was cited as an unfavorable condition which knowledge of business principles could help alleviate through enhanced communication and conflict resolution skills. Interestingly, this point was not very well supported by other literature sources. Medical malpractice (n = 2)

Healthcare strategy

Public health (n = 7)

The following seven studies examined the added value of the MBA in applying strategies to issues regarding

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