Healthcare

What is the HBS Healthcare Initiative?

The HBS Healthcare Initiative was launched in 2005 to promote one of our top priorities: healthcare. Through courses, Immersion Experience Program offerings, industry speakers, and career coaching, our Healthcare Initiative serves as a gateway to the vast opportunities at HBS—and exposes aspiring healthcare leaders to the complex facets of this dynamic industry.

Are there other initiatives at HBS?

Yes, we have five other initiatives: Business and Environment, Entrepreneurship, Global, Leadership, and Social Enterprise. "Initiative" is the word we use to describe an interdisciplinary area of interest (i.e., cuts across academic departments) that is of significance to business and society. At their core is a broad research agenda, determined and driven by the faculty.

How does the Healthcare Initiative differ from the student club?

Led by faculty and staff, our Healthcare Initiative serves the entire HBS community of faculty, alumni, and students. Our Healthcare Club offers distinct membership benefits to those students who elect to join the club.

Are any courses required as part of the Healthcare Initiative?

Our MBA program offers you the flexibility to choose the elective courses that meet your needs and to create your own career focus. While there are no "majors" at HBS, you will have many ways to learn more about the healthcare industry. As part of the first-year required curriculum, you will analyze healthcare cases—approximately 10 percent of our total first-year cases focus on healthcare. In the second year, you may select from a variety of healthcare-specific elective courses, independent studies, as well as field-based courses during the January break.. In your second year, you may also cross-register to take courses at other schools within the University, including the School of Public Health and Kennedy School of Government.

How can I get involved?

You may become involved in the Healthcare Initiative in a number of ways:

• Join the Healthcare Club and attend events at HBS and around the University, such as speaker series, industry conferences, networking events, and social activities
• Attend any of the 200 healthcare-focused events held each year at Harvard and HBS, including conferences, forums, and lectures
• Choose a healthcare-specific alumni mentor
• Connect with a healthcare career coach for help in refining your career goals
• Take on a leadership role as a Section Rep or Conference Organizer in the Healthcare Club
• Sharpen your area of healthcare interest through field-based learning. Complete an independent study by completing an independent study with faculty sponsorship
• Find summer internships with leading biotechnology, pharmaceutical, health services, venture capital, and consulting organizations
• Explore the healthcare industry in depth through a number of second-year elective courses
• Participate in a healthcare-specific Immersion Experience Program. Past topics include value-based healthcare delivery and the intersection of health science and business

Do I need to apply or interview separately for this program?

No separate application or interview process is required to be involved in the Healthcare Initiative. However, you may indicate your interest in healthcare on your HBS application.

Do many healthcare-focused companies recruit at HBS?

Many leading healthcare organizations recruit at HBS, and our list is competitive with other healthcare MBA programs. Because Boston is a leader in care delivery and technology innovation, HBS has strong relationships with local healthcare organizations.

What is the Healthcare Research Guide?

The comprehensive Healthcare Research Guide is compiled by HBS Baker Library Services, and includes all key aspects of healthcare and related industries.
It is available online: http://www.library.hbs.edu/guides/healthcare.html