Henry Chen

BA, Economics, 2000; MD/MBA, Class of 2005

Inspired by his physician parents, Henry Chen always wanted to be a doctor. So when he declared economics as his major at Rice, more than a few people thought his decision unusual.

“My interest in economics really started in my senior year in high school,” says Chen. “I had a wonderful, charismatic teacher who got me very interested in the subject. Somehow it just made sense to me that I would take more classes in college.”

Chen credits the flexibility of Rice and the diversity of its classes with enabling him to pursue both goals. “I could take the required science classes without being the expected biochemistry major,” he explains. “I was able to take all the classes I enjoyed and get a broad education that included music, literature, and economics.”

During his junior year, Chen began researching medical schools. While he was visiting with his adviser, he learned about an opportunity that appealed to him. “I found out that Rice was one of the few schools in the country that offered a combined MD/MBA program,” he recalls. “I knew I was going to medical school, but I had developed a strong interest in business during my undergraduate studies, and I didn’t want to lose it. As it turned out, everything I wanted—my top choice for medical school and the opportunity to get my MBA—was in my backyard.”

The program separates MD course work from MBA course work. Chen completed two years of medical school, spent the next 18 months at the Jones School, and then returned to complete his medical studies at Baylor. While he has technically completed his MBA studies, he will be awarded both degrees in 2005.

Chen is convinced that the number of students participating in the program will steadily increase. “Medicine is a changing business, and the combined degree gives you an extra edge,” he points out. “Whether you’re in private practice or working in a hospital, you need to know how to foster teamwork and have an understanding of finance, accounting, and marketing skills.”

This ambitious program is a perfect fit for Chen. “I know the combined degree will help me handle my future practice,” he says. “But on a broader level, the program is preparing students to be physician leaders because we’re learning how to manage people and communicate effectively. I don’t think I could be any happier.”