Interview with Dr. Rachel George

In today’s interview, we’ll hear from another great physician executive who graduated from the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA program. Dr. Rachel George explains how she was able to apply her expertise in quality improvement, and strategic and operational skills as a physician leader.

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Dr. Rachel George obtained her medical degree from  J. J. M. Medical College in Davangere, India. And she completed an internal medicine residency at Mercy Hospital in Chicago Illinois. She started part-time in management as the medical director of the Hospital Medicine Program where she started her career following residency.

From Medical Manager to Great Physician Executive

While in that role, Rachel completed her MBA at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. Two years later, she went on to become regional medical director for a national hospital medicine company. She stayed with them for nine years and grew with them to become President of a Business Unit.

From there, she moved to a health system to be part of its population health strategy team. And then 4 years ago, she became Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer of a national physician services company.

Our Sponsor

We’re proud to have the University of Tennessee Physician Executive MBA Program, offered by the Haslam College of Business, as the sponsor of this podcast.

The UT PEMBA is the longest-running, and most highly respected physician-only MBA in the country. It has over 700 graduates. And, the program only takes one year to complete. 

By joining the UT Physician Executive MBA, you will develop the business and management skills you need to find a career that you love. To find out more, contact Dr. Kate Atchley’s office at (865) 974-6526 or go to nonclinicalphysicians.com/physicianmba.

Combining QI Expertise with Strategic and Operational Skills

During our interview, Rachel explains what it was like to work in a variety of business settings. And she provides her advice on how to become a great physician executive.

I was asked to be the medical director. And then I went back and got my MBA because I thought that if I’m going to do the job, I need to get the skills that I need to do it well.

Advancing Your Career

Her top three recommendations for advancing your career are:

  1. Get involved in committees and projects at whatever institution you are affiliated with.
  2. Keep learning topics that interest you and that might be helpful to your career. Rachel focused on quality improvement, strategic planning, and other management skills.
  3. Take advantage of networking with old and new colleagues and at professional society meetings such as the ACHE and AAPL.

SUMMARY

Not long after beginning her work as a full-time hospitalist, Rachel’s employer recruited her to a management role. She found that she enjoyed it and that it opened up possibilities for advancing her career. Subsequently, she decided that an advanced business degree would help her situation. So, she explored her options and matriculated at one that was designed exclusively for physicians. This led to continued career advancement and opportunities in great physician executive positions. 

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The opinions expressed here are mine and my guest’s. While the information provided on the podcast is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, there is no express or implied guarantee that using the methods discussed here will lead to success in your career, life, or business.

The information presented on this blog and related podcast is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only. I do not provide medical, legal, tax, or emotional advice. If you take action on the information provided on the blog or podcast, it is at your own risk. Always consult an attorney, accountant, career counselor, or other professional before making any major decisions about your career.