Med school to VC
For background, I'm a senior at an Ivy and have been accepted into a mid-tier med school, which is allowing me up to 2 gap years before enrolling. Moreover, I am fortunate enough to have the financial resources to cover tuition. I am passionate about medicine, but I am more inclined to get the MD to better leverage myself in the business world.
This past summer, I interned at a respected non-MBB consulting firm but did not receive a return offer. I did get an offer for FT to do corporate strategy at Capital One, which I'm considering doing during my 1-2 gap years. My other option is to work abroad in Seoul (I am not sure what exact work I'd be doing but this would be more for my enrichment and to learn the language).
I'm very interested in the business side of medicine/healthcare and am considering VC, PE, or even startup work. However, I'm unsure how I would best position myself for VC or PE post-med school. As such, I'm wondering:
- Does the MD make sense for my goals?
- Should I utilize the gap years before med school, and if so, what should I do?
- Should I approach med school with a business lens and try to work part-time and/or during summers in these fields?
- How important is residency for my goals?
- How helpful would an MBA be for me? If I were to pursue one, when would be the best time to do so?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights that might help you:
An MD can certainly add value in the business world, especially in areas related to healthcare. It can provide a unique perspective and credibility that others might not have. However, it's a significant investment of time and money, so you should be sure it aligns with your long-term goals.
Utilizing your gap years could be beneficial. Working in corporate strategy at Capital One could provide valuable business experience. Alternatively, working abroad could offer a unique perspective and valuable language skills.
Approaching med school with a business lens could be beneficial, especially if you're interested in the business side of healthcare. Working part-time or during summers in VC, PE, or startups could provide valuable experience and connections.
The importance of residency really depends on your specific goals. If you're more interested in the business side of healthcare, it might not be as crucial.
An MBA could be very helpful, especially if you're interested in VC or PE. It could provide valuable business knowledge and networking opportunities. The best time to pursue one would depend on your specific circumstances, but it might make sense to gain some work experience first.
Remember, these are just general insights. Your specific circumstances and goals might lead to different conclusions. It's always a good idea to seek advice from people who have followed a similar path to the one you're considering.
Sources: Private Equity vs. Venture Capital in 2018, HF to PE post-MBA - my story and seeking advice (long-time poster)!, Stanford vs Wharton vs Booth vs Columbia for PE, Private Equity vs Venture Capital - Differences and Similarities
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