Additional Degrees to Supplement Your Professional Career

It has become more common for physicians to pursue additional advanced degrees as patient demographics, advances in medical science, and new business trends have begun to challenge their skill sets and knowledge base. Commonly pursued degrees include Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Medical Management (MMM), Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Education (MEd), and Master of Science (MS). Many of these degrees have overlapping areas of study; some are geared specifically toward the needs of physicians. Earning an additional degree takes time, resources, and dedication, and obtaining a master’s degree is not the only way to develop a new area of expertise. Therefore, an additional advanced degree should only be pursued after you fully understand your motivation for obtaining it, what you expect to gain from it, and what sources of support you will need to successfully complete the degree.