Warwick Business School is set to launch a new DBA degree for senior health managers and executives — the latest sign that healthcare is turning to top business schools as the industry faces growing strain and pressure to innovate.Wednesday’s announcement follows the launch earlier this month of a new healthcare MBA by the former chief executive of General Electric.
Warwick’s course will seek to help executives futureproof their organizations in a volatile, uncertain and complex environment. Healthcare is being squeezed by a rapidly ageing global population and tightened health budgets.
The exclusive four or five year part-time course costs £60,000 and participants will study at WBS’ new luxury London location atop The Shard, the EU’s tallest building.
Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management and DBA program lead, said it will help organizations retain senior talent and harness business innovation.
“Instead of focussing on the more traditional, scholarly aspects of a doctoral degree, the DBA will teach you how to use the latest pioneering academic research to produce a practical solution to a challenge or opportunity,” he said.
He added that it will help healthcare execs to utilize new technologies being developed that operations are reluctant to implement. Leaders are increasingly having to grapple with digital tech like mobile apps, wearable devices, and data analytics. Several top business schools are edging these innovative themes into their healthcare programs.
“Healthcare managers and executives understand that IT needs to play a role in their overall healthcare strategy,” said Professor Jeremy Petranka at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. “But what that role should be is still being defined.”
For example, healthcare sessions at UC Berkeley’s Haas School on technology are running as part of MBA electives, and cover areas including tech in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals sectors.
“So much in healthcare revolves around data and information,” said Kimberly MacPherson, associate director of health management at Haas School.
Fred Hagigi, professor in technology management and director of Global Health Initiatives at UCLA Anderson School of Management, said that the effect of IT on healthcare is a major area of focus at the Californian institution.
Elsewhere, Germany’s Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is injecting innovation management and technological progress into its health programs. “From a managerial point of view, it is a very difficult and challenging topic,” said Dr Rainer Sibbel, at Frankfurt’s Institute for International Health Management.
Also this month, the Jack Welch Management Institute at the US’s Strayer University announced a new online MBA pathway designed to help doctors confront urgent healthcare management challenges.
The Institute said growing cost pressures combined with technologies and the widespread availability of data, are demanding leaders who can navigate a highly ambiguous and quickly evolving economic and regulatory landscape.
Jack Welch, executive chairman and former CEO of GE, said the MBA will produce talent to “ignite and transform the healthcare industry”.
Other established healthcare management programs exist at George Washington University, Michigan Ross, Vanderbilt Owen, and Rice Jones business schools.
Student Reviews
Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Supportive atmosphere
The professors at Duke university exhibit exceptional commitment to the success and well-being of their students by ensuring their academic growth and fostering a supportive social atmosphere. Moreover, the entire community is recognized for its amicability and inclusiveness.
Diversity
The people or the students are without a doubt Duke's greatest asset. While all students are driven to succeed, they are also enthusiastic about a variety of hobbies. You run across a huge lot of diversity. It is the ideal example of a school with well-rounded students and the ideal balance of campus life in a metropolis.
Happy to school
All I could ever hope for is Duke University. That really epitomizes the "work hard, play hard" philosophy that elite colleges frequently pursue. Even though you'll have a lot of schooling to complete over the week, it's simple to keep focused because all of your friends are putting in similar amounts of effort. Many events taking place on and around campus on the weekends provide a great way to unwind. The combination of demanding academics and traditional college fun strikes the perfect balance.
Good schooling
Living, eating, learning, and developing who you want to be as an adult are all fantastic at Duke. I participated in student athletics, and I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with the faculty and other students. I appreciate all of the help I get from the Duke community more than anything. Furthermore, the teachers take the time to get to know you, and the lectures are diverse and demanding (if you do the same). I'd give it a 10 out of 10.
Beautiful School, Nice Classes
DU remains one the greatest and best universities that I have ever stepped in. The school is beautiful and neat. The classes are spacious and also very nice. I enjoyed attending my Lectures in those lecture halls. I also loved the Lecturers because of the good work they did. The university also has very good dorms that are given to students on first come first serve basis and they are affordable
Amazing experience
I received my B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Global Health with a minor in Chemistry from Duke University. I was able to grow as a student, scientist, and global health advocate with the help of my friends, professors, and other mentors I met along the way. A lot to learn if you look and ask, a great place to learn for those who want to learn.
whirlwind of growth and change
An amazing 2 years, with covid and everything else happening Duke has been a place of growth for me. The courses , classes were one of a kind, online and on campus. But the valuable lessons learned in the classes are irreplicable. The students are amazing here, so much diversity , I had no problem fitting in. The teachers are down right brilliant and so helpful. Don't be afraid to ask them anything. Graduated with my MBA with Duke and now my future awaits.
One of the best for Business students
Graduated with an MBA. The classes were very insightful and engaging. The staff are very easy to deal with. The teachers and students, are truly amazing people. Grateful to all the people I've met along the way at Duke. I've learnt a great deal that will help me in my future endeavors. The campus itself is a marvel, it is beautiful.
The university campus is awesome
I graduated with a masters degree in Religious Studies from Duke University. One thing I really liked about the university is its huge campus. It is spread in a large area with a lot of greenery and also have the facilities of reading rooms for single person also. My department building was very well taken care of. The library is immensely populated with books for all your needs. The faculty is very nice to students. The classes are equipped with latest technology to cater the needs of students. The University also provides room rentals for international students. They are very well maintained and priority is given to the International students for a comfortable stay there. There are weekly events conducted by the University as well as Student clubs for the entertainment of students. Anybody can take part in them and show their talents. I enjoyed my degree and I graduated in 2021 and was very happy that I had graduated from a reputed University.
Program Flexibility and Vibrant Campus Life
Duke University is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life. The university offers a diverse range of majors and research opportunities, supported by world-class faculty.
What I particularly liked about Duke was its strong sense of community and the wealth of extracurricular activities available to students. The campus is beautiful, with top-notch facilities and a supportive atmosphere that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Overall, I would highly recommend Duke University for its excellent educational offerings and strong alumni network. If you're looking for a place that challenges you academically while offering numerous opportunities for personal development, Duke is an excellent choice.
