PLDP Overview
Shape the Future of Healthcare
Navigate the intricacies of American healthcare with our specialized M.D./M.B.A. and M.D./M.P.H. dual degrees in the Physician Leadership Development Program. At the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, you’ll transform into a physician-leader adept at crafting sustainable solutions, advancing individual and community health, and driving systemic improvements in healthcare.
Get your graduate degree in one year
Fast-track your future with the PLDP, attaining an M.P.H. or M.B.A. degree at lower cost and in less time than traditional graduate degrees during the optimal time in your medical education. No previous public health or business experience or coursework is required for either degree program.
An unmatched support system
Benefit from the PLDP’s comprehensive support network, guiding you from application to graduation, ensuring seamless completion of your dual degree alongside medical school.
Distinguished leadership opportunities
Elevate your career with the PLDP's unique opportunities and mentorship, preparing you to take on pivotal leadership roles in healthcare and stand out in residency interviews.
Pathways to Leadership
MD./M.B.A
The M.D./M.B.A. program combines medical and business expertise, essential for modern healthcare administration and practice. Complete your degree in one year at the AACSB accredited Wright State University Raj Soin College of Business. Flexible online, hybrid and in-person M.B.A. classes allow you to participate in optional learning opportunities such as a healthcare administration internship at an area hospital.
M.D./M.P.H.
The M.D./M.P.H. program develops essential skills in epidemiology and population health management so you can tackle global health issues and serve as a leader for community health initiatives. Evening courses with online, hybrid and in-person options are offered by the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine Master of Public Health program. Expand your knowledge through transformative internships, global learning and capstone projects with the M.P.H. program’s numerous community partners.
M.D./M.B.A. Degree Program
Learn not only the science of medicine but the business of health care with a Master of Business Administration from Wright State University’s AACSB accredited degree program. Gain knowledge and skills essential for the physician leader interested in health care provision, health care finance and quality improvement. Our specialized M.D./M.B.A. internship programs at local healthcare systems provide a glimpse into the workings of hospitals at the executive level.
Have questions or need more information? Just fill out the form and we will respond! (Items with asterisks are required.)
“The M.B.A. is a way to distinguish yourself in a competitive field. I was asked about it often on during residency interviews. An M.B.A. helps any physician have a better understanding of the business of medicine and also provides the framework for strategic decision making. You have to understand the accounting, finance, and business strategy to help any healthcare enterprise make well-informed financial decisions.”
– Thomas Hagele, M.D., M.B.A., PLDP Class of 2012, Dermatology
Master of Business Administration Program Curriculum
Medical students in the PLDP will complete the M.B.A. degree in three semesters and can select among several business concentrations to match their career goals. The M.B.A. curriculum is 33 semester hours of online, hybrid or in-class coursework, including core and concentration courses.
M.D./M.P.H. Degree Program
Expand your perspective in patient care by earning your Master of Public Health degree from our nationally accredited program. Offered in collaboration with local public health leaders, you will learn specialized skills like epidemiology and community assessment and distinguish yourself with a research-based capstone project. Our cohort-based model, with in-person evening and online courses, allows you to engage with faculty and students in public health professions.
Have questions or need more information? Just fill out the form and we will respond! (Items with asterisks are required.)
“My M.P.H. has greatly benefited me as a professional. This degree has given me a broader outlook on the healthcare field and a better understanding of how public health and medicine are intertwined. I think more about my patients' backgrounds and how that affects their health status and I want to know more about behaviors and environment and attempt to learn more of the ‘why’ and ‘how’.”
– Neil Knight, M.D., M.P.H., PLDP Class of 2018, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Master of Public Health Program Curriculum
Medical students in the PLDP will complete their M.P.H. degree in three semesters at less cost than a traditional two-year M.P.H. degree and with all of the program’s benefits. The M.P.H. curriculum is 42 semester hours of in-class, hybrid and online coursework, an applied practice experience and a research capstone project.
Apply to the Physician Leadership Development Program
You are invited to apply to the PLDP if you:
- Are actively enrolled in the Boonshoft School of Medicine and in your first or second year of medical school
- Are in good academic standing
- Approach medical school with professionalism and integrity
- Want to distinguish yourself among your peers in residency interviews
- Are not in the Health Professions Scholarship Program (is not compatible with PLDP)
To apply to the PLDP:
- Submit this form to apply to the PLDP as a M.D./M.B.A. candidate OR
- Submit this form to apply to the PLDP as a M.D./M.P.H. candidate
- Follow up your application by emailing two letters of recommendation from persons who can tell us about your leadership experience/potential and confirm your ability to complete a second degree (letters from relatives not accepted).
Applications are due by January 2025. Students admitted to the PLDP agree to abide by its policies and procedures (PDF).
Once admitted to the PLDP, you will apply to the master’s degree program through the Wright State University Graduate School. As a PLDP student, you do not have to take admissions tests such as the GRE or GMAT to apply to your program of choice. M.D./M.P.H. students also do not have to apply through SOPHAS.
