MBA studies alongside everyday clinical work

Why I wanted to study management

by PD Dr. med. Aileen Hill, MBA General Management student

In my day-to-day work at RWTH Aachen University Hospital - both as a specialist in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine and as a scientist with my own research group - I work at the interface between medicine, organization and research on a daily basis. In doing so, I became increasingly aware that sound business knowledge plays a central role if you want to take on management responsibility in the healthcare sector. However, economic skills are hardly taught in traditional medical studies. It was precisely this gap that I wanted to close.

Another reason for my participation was the desire for personal development. As a doctor, you are used to making decisions with a high level of responsibility - but economic and strategic thinking requires a completely different approach that is not taken into account in medical training and yet is essential for a management position. The MBA offers me exactly the structured framework to learn and deepen this way of thinking. 

Why I chose the MBA at Allensbach University

I became aware of the MBA program in General Management at Allensbach University through online research. I was looking for a part-time degree program that could be flexibly integrated into my everyday life - a life that is characterized by shift work, research projects, business trips and life as a mother of three children. The flexible study concept of Allensbach University - a purely distance learning course without compulsory attendance dates - therefore convinced me. It offers me the opportunity to organize my further education at a pace that suits my life without losing academic depth.

However, it wasn't just the organizational framework that was decisive for my choice of study, but also the content. The combination of modules such as Human Resources Management & Leadership sowie Strategic Management & Organization is highly relevant for my intended career. I am convinced that management skills are essential for the successful management of clinical and scientific institutions today.

I am also interested in the financial modules of the degree program. Even if I never have to do any accounting myself, it's helpful to at least learn the basics for communicating with the other business areas, such as GB Finance or GB Materials. I find the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge directly in my day-to-day clinical work and in the management of my research group particularly exciting.

My previous study experiences

My experiences on the course so far have been positive. So far, I have completed the modules "Strategic Management & Organization" and "Accounting and Controlling". The chapters of the individual modules are accompanied by study letters, literature suggestions, on-demand lectures and exercises, which makes it easy to prepare for the exam - usually either an online exam or a submission task. It is easy to get in touch with lecturers and other students via various communication channels, such as the exchange forum on the university portal or the messenger group. However, I particularly appreciate the opportunity to study flexibly and from any location - I can relax and enjoy my study time on business train journeys or on the Hollywood swing in the garden.