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BackTable / Industry / Podcast / Episode #84

Unlocking Business Skills: Physician EMBA Experiences

with Dr. Raj Khalsa and Dr. Roger Tomihama

For much of their education, physicians are encouraged to focus on developing clinical and procedural skills, with little formal training in business. For those who aspire to innovate and lead, is an MBA degree a worthwhile investment? In this episode of the Back Table Innovation podcast, Dr. Aaron Fritts explores the relevance and benefits of obtaining an MBA for physicians, joined by guests Dr. Roger Tomihama and Dr. Raj Khalsa.

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Unlocking Business Skills: Physician EMBA Experiences  with Dr. Raj Khalsa and Dr. Roger Tomihama on the BackTable Industry Podcast
Ep 84 Unlocking Business Skills: Physician EMBA Experiences with Dr. Raj Khalsa and Dr. Roger Tomihama
00:00 / 01:04

BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, January 7). Ep. 84 – Unlocking Business Skills: Physician EMBA Experiences [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com

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Podcast Contributors

Dr. Aaron Fritts on the BackTable VI Podcast

Dr. Aaron Fritts is an interventional radiologist and a Co-Founder of BackTable.

Dr. Bhavraj Khalsa on the BackTable Industry Podcast

Dr. Raj Khalsa is an interventional radiologist in Orange County, California.

Dr. Roger Tomihama on the BackTable VI Podcast

Dr. Roger Tomihama is an associate professor of interventional radiology at Loma Linda University in California.

Synopsis

The discussion covers various MBA programs, including the Wharton Executive MBA and the Quantic Executive MBA, highlighting their strengths, particularly for mid-career physicians. Drs. Tomihama and Khalsa share their personal experiences with these programs, comparing in-person and online formats. They also explore the advantages of structured learning, networking opportunities, and how an MBA can empower physicians to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and administrative or entrepreneurial roles. This conversation underscores the importance of continuous learning in fostering a more impactful and fulfilling career in healthcare.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction
01:34 - Dr. Tomihama’s Wharton MBA Experience
06:10 - Dr. Khalsa’s Quantic MBA Journey
09:39 - Comparing MBA Programs and Networking Opportunities
23:10 - Thoughts on MBA Learning Styles
26:10 - The Language of Business
26:50 - In-Person vs. Online Learning
27:21 - Foundational Knowledge for Startups
28:56 - Applying Business Skills in Healthcare
32:16 - Marketing and Behavioral Psychology
43:52 - Timing and Career Advancement
47:52 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Resources

BackTable VI Ep. 230: The Physician's MBA: Is It Worth It, and Where to Start:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/vi/podcasts/230/the-physicians-mba-is-it-worth-it-where-to-start

The Materials available on BackTable are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.

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