SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Himani Akula, an MD/MBA pilot student, is completing her undergraduate degree at the University at Albany, majoring in human biology with minors in psychology, anthropology, and biology. 

“The plan was always medical school,” Akula said. “In exploring my options, I talked to a lot of physicians and others in the health-care field, and, what kept coming up was how important it was to also understand the business side of medicine — insurance, how to manage a practice, etc.” 

Akula added that she started to understand that having that kind of business acumen would really give her autonomy. 

Akula is an MD/MBA pilot student in a program offered through a partnership between Upstate Medical University and Syracuse University. She commented in the April 20 Syracuse news release announcing the collaboration.

“In addition to a medical degree, I’ll earn my MBA and have a great business background to help me further my goal of running my own practice, clinic or even hospital one day,” she contended.

Upstate Medical and Syracuse’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management are launching a joint MD/MBA program that allows students to earn two degrees in a coordinated five-year program.

Applicants for this new program at Upstate Medical University/Syracuse University apply through the American Medical Common Application System (AMCAS) portal for the MD/MBA program application.

Following acceptance to Upstate Medical’s Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine, applicants will then be reviewed by the MBA program at Syracuse University’s Whitman School. 

Upon completion of the MD/MBA program, graduates will have strong and immediate career opportunities, including residencies, Syracuse contends. Common placements include positions at top consulting firms, in medical-technology industries, and as hospital administrators or clinical doctors. 

Tuition during the MBA portion of the program will be determined by Syracuse University. Tuition for the remaining four years will be at the SUNY rate for MD education.

“The program was created based on an increased student and industry demand for students with multidisciplinary programs who understand both the technical and the people skills needed for success,” Eugene Anderson, dean of Syracuse’s Whitman School, said. “We see substantial opportunity to support our students and local partners by offering this advanced business degree to medical students. We believe we are helping to prepare the next generation of leadership in the health care space.” 

Dr. Daryll Dykes, chief diversity officer at Upstate Medical University, was instrumental in creating the joint program, the release stated. 

“As someone who holds multiple degrees, I can attest to the value additional learning can bring to a person and a career. This program, which includes two of my alma maters, holds great promise for those students looking to challenge themselves and prepare for whatever their future may hold,” Dykes said.

The MD/MBA has already accepted three students into the pilot program for the fall of 2022.