Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine has formed a groundbreaking partnership with Pepperdine Graziadio Business School to launch a new MD/MBA program to equip future physicians with critical business and leadership skills.
The integrated MD/MBA program will provide medical students with the tools to navigate today’s complex healthcare landscape, manage financial resources effectively, and lead systemic change within healthcare organizations. This innovative collaboration reflects a growing demand for physicians who are not only clinically skilled but also capable of making strategic decisions grounded in business principles.
“This new program aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare physician leaders who can drive meaningful change in health care,” said Dr. Paul J. Chung, Chair of Health Systems Science and Professor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. “By providing opportunities for interested students to combine medical training with business education, we’re equipping them to lead not only in clinical teams but also in boardrooms, health systems, and policy arenas. Our collaboration with Pepperdine Graziadio reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare leadership.”
“This innovative partnership between Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine and Pepperdine Graziadio Business School represents a forward-thinking approach to medical education,” said Dr. Clemens Kownatzki, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Associate Professor of Finance at Pepperdine Graziadio.
“Over the years, many physicians in our Executive MBA programs have shared their desire to better understand business and organizational management. A common reflection we hear is, ‘I wish I had done my MBA much earlier in my career.’ This dual-degree program allows medical students to gain that critical business knowledge at the outset of their careers,” Kownatzki added.
Karen Jackson, Head of Partnership Development at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, added, “The MD/MBA program offers a unique opportunity for medical students to jumpstart their professional growth. Unlike traditional paths where clinicians return to business school later in life, this program allows students to integrate business knowledge with their medical education from the start. We’re honored to collaborate with Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine on this impactful initiative.”
About Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is devoted to offering an outstanding, forward-thinking medical education. Its curriculum is built on the three pillars of Biomedical Science, Clinical Science, and Health Systems Science. Students think broadly about the ways care can be more effective for everyone and learn how to advocate for better health in homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and society. The school incorporates many of the most innovative and effective educational practices available today. In addition, the school’s future physicians learn the knowledge and skills essential to the highest quality patient care and the transformation of the nation’s healthcare so that all people thrive.
About Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School
For more than 50 years, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has challenged individuals to think boldly and drive meaningful change within their industries and communities. Offering a comprehensive range of BSM, MBA, MS, executive, and doctoral degree programs grounded in integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Graziadio School advances experiential learning through small classes with distinguished faculty that stimulate critical thinking and meaningful connection. Students and working professionals are inspired to realize their greatest potential as values-centered leaders. Follow Pepperdine Graziadio on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
