Ms. Indian Dental Surgeon

Hi Dental Surgeon, this is Deepak Punwani from MBA Exchange. A lot of good points have been covered above by other experts. Will try to add to those thoughts. Pardon my directness here but it seems you are operating in a “anything but this” mode. You seem more passionate about leaving dentistry than about getting to another role. At least that what comes across from your introduction. Dont see a direct connection between your dentistry experience, non profit experience and moving to a broader healthcare role. Also if seeing a smile on your patients face is a big life win, why would you want to give that up. It doesn’t add up. My suggestion would be to therefore “go deep” and gain clarity on what is it that you really want. And what are your real interests. Your EC’s also did not give a sense of who you are as a person and what your interests really are. Since your academics are slightly lower than median for your cohort, these factors become really important. The good news is that crafting your story is in your hands. Good luck

Hi Ms. Indian Dental Surgeon,
This is Debbie Choy, Senior Consultant at mbaMission. In my 8 years of working with candidates, I do not see many dental surgeons. This is a good point of differentiation for you! That said, the Admissions Committee (AdCom) would be very curious about why you’d like to switch gears out of clinical practice. Further, if you have researched and networked with healthcare companies you would like to work at post-MBA, be sure to mention this in your application to show AdCom you have done some legwork on your career goals. This will also help assure them that you are laying the groundwork for a successful pivot to the business side. Duke’s healthcare program is fantastic, and I think they would welcome your clinical and international perspectives. That said, AdCom is also looking for demonstrated leadership – at work and in your community. How have you led your team or motivated your staff? Your volunteering at orphanages and senior homes demonstrate community engagement. Are you in any leadership roles with these organizations? If you can execute on the career goal story well and showcase your leadership, I think you would improve your chances. Wishing you the best on your application!

Ms. Indian Dental Surgeon – Thanks for posting your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus.

At Fuqua, I spent ~6 years evaluating applications from Indian nationals so I’m well positioned to offer my thoughts.

While your experience as a dental surgeon is unique, your stats are soft for someone in a super competitive demographic. I’m curious about the impact that you have made as a surgeon and why you want to move away from that role. It will be important for you to tell this story in your application.

Fuqua, perhaps more so than other schools, values community engagement. I may be missing it but didn’t see any meaningful extracurriculars.

I’m not sure when you intend to apply but you should build out your profile and make sure you can clearly showcase why you want an MBA and why NOW is the right time for you to get it. It seems that you are just walking away from the investment you have made in your career to date. Consider re-evaluating your goals so you can leverage the skills and knowledge you have developed as a surgeon.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!