Dual Degree Programs

VCOM partners with certain institutions, including Virginia Tech, to allow students who qualify to earn parallel or dual degrees. In partnership with Virginia Tech this includes a Masters in Public Health or a M.B.A. from Virginia Tech that may be completed between the third and fourth years of the D.O. program. Other parallel or dual degree programs are considered and approved on a case by case basis. To qualify students must maintain a 3.2 or greater GPA at VCOM or complete the initial year prior to enrollment at VCOM. Student interested in public health (MPH), research, M.B.A. or related programs should contact Dr. Hara Misra, Vice Dean for Dual Degree Programs and Research at hmisra@vcom.vt.edu. Students interested in completing the programs while serving an undergraduate fellowship in Global Health should contact Dr. Dean Sutphin, Assistant Vice President for International and Appalachian Outreach.

Most dual degree programs require an additional year of study, however, the length of time may be less or greater depending upon the program and the student’s background.

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Marc Gruner

Class of 2015
Pursuing a joint DO/MBA at VCOM-VC and Virginia Tech
Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Undergraduate: Exercise Physiology, Bachelors of Science
Graduate School: Certificate of Biomedical Science, PCOM
Interests: Basketball, Volleyball, Personal Trainer, Hiking
Planned Specialty in Medicine: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation/ Sports Medicine

I chose VCOM because of the school’s extremely strong reputation in sports medicine, mission trips, and they had a dual DO/MBA degree. Their sports medicine club, clinical professors, and affiliation with Virginia Tech Athletics offer many unique opportunities to learn sports medicine early on in your biomedical years. They also have an excellent mission trips program. I plan on going to the Dominican Republic this year which will be an excellent opportunity to help people in need.

The joint DO/MBA program with Virginia Tech will give me the tools I need to develop a business plan to start a medical practice focused on prevention and wellness. My future plan is to utilize my joint DO/MBA degree to open up an integrated medical care mobile home that focuses on a team based approach of preventive medicine, sports medicine, and family medicine geared towards treating patients with chronic diseases, athletes, and individuals who want to live a healthier lifestyle.

When I am not studying I enjoy playing intramural Basketball, Volleyball, and Flag Football at Virginia Tech. Additionally, I love hiking at the many trails in the surrounding area of Blacksburg.