Medicine and management: a combined educational program.

Rapidly evolving characteristics of our health care system are creating new and expanding opportunities for physician managers. Formal graduate degree training in management has become desirable to prepare the physician for these new professional responsibilities. The Schools of Medicine and Management at Northwestern University instituted a formal combined degree program eight years ago. Directed by a physician holding faculty appointments in both schools, the program offers an integrated five year curriculum. During the past eight years, 16 students have matriculated in the program without attrition. Eleven students have completed both degrees on schedule. The results of a comprehensive telephone survey of all U.S. and Canadian medical schools concerning dual degree programs are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of pursuing management training at various stages of a physician's career are discussed.