Hi all, I just wanted to know if anyone had information about boutique firms for pharma/health/biotech. I'm a doctor of 2 yrs experience at present. i have a B.A, M.D,and an M.B.A (not from a top tier school) and am trying to get into consulting within lifesciences/health. Is it better to apply to specialist firms or go for big four . (My first interview was at Booz-Allen in January...i was very unprepared for the cases)

As an interviewer, the first question I'd ask would be: Why did you spend so much time and effort training to become a MD, and then decide to go into business consulting?

Perhaps a more slaient qestion one would ask is why would you consider moving from a noble, erstwhile and value-adding profession to a ACN cowboy-infested, Project Management, Change Management, IT Strategy, Business Transformation type free-for-all.ZB

good question. Simple answer. Pressure from the family...its a cultural thing that some people may understand. Medicine is great but only people who are truly passionate about it should go into it.I'm still interested in healthcare but more interested in shaping policy, developing operational strategy on a hospital and/or national level, and management issues. There is a lack of all of the above where i'm from and i'm going back at some point.

Doc,go for it. I did medicine pretty much for the same reason- totally hate it, just not that passionate about it. Think i preferred tha acaedemic side of things.. the invasive side is just not me.. At least you have all the other credentials behind you. I want to leave asap and have been looking into the field. I am currently in talks with a A and E consultant who is M.C on the side and is giving great advice..let me know if interested.

I know there has been a lot of negative stuff about PA Consulting on this site, but may be worth a look for you at some of their more spcialised practices.Have a look on PA's website at some of the work they do in Life Sciences out of their Cambridge offices - as well as consulting to pharma companies etc that other consultancies offer, they also do more technical work linked to for example drug delivery systems etc. which may be of inetrestGood luck

hey NKM, sorry i havent been on this thread in a while but I'm definitely interested . my email is femisun@doctors.org.uk.

"I know there has been a lot of negative stuff about PA Consulting on this site, but may be worth a look for you at some of their more spcialised practices. "Hello Doc. PA have a strong (and friendly,) Health sector team. They work on interesting projects with Primary & Secondary Care organisations in the UK and Internationally as well as Regulators and Commissioners. The partner for the Health Practice at PA is Andy Mullins - who can be contacted at AndyDOTMullinsATPAconsultingDOTcom

I'd advise against moving into Consulting. It's an industry full of failed doctors who thought the grass was greener, but actually find they are working the same hours only to watch helplessly as the Government fritters away their taxes on putting thankless youngsters through a decade of expensive med school each before they jump ship.

Thanks random.Does anyone have any information on where i can get practice materials for Mckinseys IPS tests???? I'm supposed to schedule one this week but need more questions besides the ones on their website.