Potential exits for a U.S physician post MBB?

Hey everyone, wanted to get some advice as I'm pretty new to the business world.

For background, T15 private U.S undergrad in the U.S and T20 U.S medical school, not sure how much it matters. No business experience until toward the end of med school when I decided to pivot to consulting after realizing that clinical medicine is not for me. Did some healthcare-related internships and managed to land a BCG offer through the ADC Bridge to BCG program. Also interviewing soon with McKinsey for final rounds.

Now that I have an offer in hand, I kind of realized that I never thought that much about what I want to do after my time at MBB. I know that staying until partner is one path but it's highly skill and luck dependent so don't want to count on it. A friend in PE mentioned PE Ops as well but I know that's also highly competitive and might not be realistic. 

Assuming that I work exclusively in healthcare and/or pharma during my time at MBB, what are some exits/ positions that might fit the profile of a physician with MBB experience? Thanks!

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some potential exit opportunities for a U.S. physician post-MBB, especially if you work exclusively in healthcare and/or pharma:

  1. Pharma/Biotech Specific Funds:

    • There are specialized funds focusing on biotech and pharma sectors. These funds value deep technical knowledge and experience in healthcare, making them a good fit for someone with a medical background and MBB experience.
  2. General Healthcare Private Equity (PE):

    • Many professionals from healthcare consulting backgrounds transition into general healthcare PE. These roles often involve evaluating investment opportunities in healthcare companies, leveraging your consulting and medical expertise.
  3. R&D Management:

    • Roles in Research and Development (R&D) management within pharmaceutical or biotech companies. These positions require a deep technical understanding and are suitable for someone with a strong medical and consulting background.
  4. Strategy Teams in Large Companies:

    • Large pharmaceutical or biotech companies often have strategy teams that work on high-level business decisions. These roles can be a good fit for someone with MBB experience, providing a pathway to move into a business line within a few years.
  5. Business Development in Tech Startups:

    • For those interested in tech, business development roles in smaller startups can be a common exit. These positions involve strategic planning and growth initiatives, leveraging your consulting skills.
  6. Portfolio Management:

    • Positions in portfolio management within pharma or biotech companies. These roles involve overseeing a portfolio of projects or products, requiring both technical and strategic expertise.
  7. Equity Research:

    • Transitioning into equity research, particularly in biotech/pharma sectors. This role involves analyzing companies and market trends, providing investment recommendations based on your deep industry knowledge.
  8. Consulting within Specialized Healthcare Firms:

    • Continuing in consulting but within firms that specialize in healthcare, biotech, or pharma. This allows you to leverage your MBB experience while focusing on your area of expertise.

These roles leverage your unique combination of medical knowledge and consulting experience, making you a valuable asset in various high-impact positions within the healthcare and pharma industries.

Sources: Q&A: 2.5 years @ MBB post PhD, Q&A: 2.5 years @ MBB post PhD, Q&A: PhD -> MBB (with some steps in between), Doctor thinking of exit opportunities, Pharma/Biotech Exit Opps

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Given your background, your main exits will be:

- Corporate strategy/analytics in a healthcare/pharma company (I heard Pharma companies pay pretty well, I'm sure you'll have enough issue getting 250k - 350k TC after 2-3 years of MBB if you find the right role).

- PE Ops in your industry

- Another boutique consulting firm that specializes in your industry of choice

- A startup (Depending on your personality)

- VC 

PE Ops and VC are competitive, but your background as an MD will help you a lot. If I'm a biotech VC firm, I'm taking the consultant who has medical training any day over a standard MBA --> MBB guy. When I was in MBB consulting, I did a project with a med tech company and there were multiple MDs on the case. The MD not only adds credibility, but you will also understand medical technologies and systems in a way a standard consultant cannot. 

 

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