Overview

The joint Doctor in Medicine (MD) and Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) degree program is offered through the department of Health Policy and Management and School of Medicine at the University of Kansas. The joint program allows students to achieve both degrees in five years.

The MSHA portion of the curriculum combines social science and business content in the context of health care and prepares students for management and executive positions in health care organizations.

Students pursuing the joint MD/MHSA option will be prepared for careers as physician executives or to provide administrative support for their medical practice. As the health care environment becomes more complex and competitive, administrative skills can be extremely important to individuals starting careers in medicine or those seeking to enhance their current careers.

MD/MHSA Curriculum

Students in the MD/MHSA Program complete requirements for the MD degree, as specified by the School of Medicine. Coursework for the MHSA portion of the joint degree should be taken in the summer between years one and two of the medical school curriculum and in a year between years two and three of the medical school curriculum. The internship required for the MHSA degree may be completed as an elective during year four of medical school. Depending on a student’s course schedule, it may be necessary to complete one to two MHSA courses during years three and four of the medical school curriculum. The total time for completion of the MD/MHSA Program is five years.

MHSA Degree Requirements

The following courses (totaling 41-43 credits) comprise the current MHSA portion of the joint curriculum. The faculty may make curriculum changes from time to time.

HP&M 810 The Healthcare System

HP&M 819 Research Inquiry to Support Evidence-Based Practice

HP&M 822 Healthcare Economics

HP&M 825 Financial Concepts in Healthcare Management

HP&M 827 Financial Applications in Healthcare Management

HP&M 833 Governance, Ethics and Health Law

HP&M 837 Health Policy

HP&M 840 Organizational Foundations for Leading Change

HP&M 846 Managing Information Systems and Technology

HP&M 848 Designing Healthcare Organizations

HP&M 850 Achieving Quality, Safety and Efficiency

HP&M 852 Strategy Development and Marketing

HP&M 854 Human Resources and Workforce Development

HP&M 860 Graduate Internship in Health Services Administration

HP&M 861 Capstone Seminar

Waivers, substitutions and all other degree requirements are governed by Departmental and Graduate School policies. Students should consult the MHSA Student Services Manager if they have questions or concerns regarding the MHSA degree requirements.

MD/MHSA Admission Requirements

Students interested in the joint MD/MHSA Program option must apply to and be accepted into both degree programs. Medical school students must apply to the MHSA Program during their first year of medical study.

Students admitted to the MHSA Program should have successfully completed an undergraduate course in financial accounting and an undergraduate course in statistics prior to beginning coursework in the Program. Applicants to the MHSA program must submit the following:

• A completed application for admission.
• A non-refundable application fee ($50 for domestic applicants; $65 for international applicants)
• Official transcripts of all previous academic work beyond the secondary level. To be admitted as a regular graduate student, applicants must have not less than a B average GPA (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) overall. Copies of transcripts may be relayed from the Medical School Admissions Office, if requested by the MD/MHSA applicant.
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably on the program’s Recommendation Form.
• A personal statement, (two pages maximum) outlining reasons for wanting to pursue a graduate education in health services administration combined with medicine, career objectives and any other information you want the Admissions Committee to consider.
• A copy of your resume, indicating your education and work background, honors, memberships in professional, school and service organizations.
• Each competitive applicant will be invited for an admission interview. Successful applicants must have completed the first semester of medical school with not less than a 3.0 grade point average. Students on a “reduced load” School of Medicine curriculum will be ineligible to apply to the joint MD/MHSA Program. In general, no more than ten students will be admitted to the MD/MHSA program per year.

Continuation in the MD/MHSA Program

Students must remain in good academic standing in both the MD and MHSA Programs to continue in the joint program. In the MHSA Program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average. In the MD Program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average and must pass Step I of the USMLE. If students do not pass the USMLE step I in May or June, they will be removed from the MHSA Program until they re-take and pass the USMLE I, and they will be delayed in their MD/MHSA curriculum.

For more information, please contact:

Department of Health Policy and Management

University of Kansas Medical Center

5001 Student Center– Mail Stop 3044

Kansas City, KS 66160

913.588.3763

ks_mhsa@kumc.edu