Hi all,I am currently a doctor in a central london hospital and would like to take the leap into management consultancy. I do not have the any consultancy experience or MBA credentials etc behind me but feel that this would be the right time to make the move as the NHS is in a right state..could anyone please suggest:1.Who to apply to?2.when? what to do?!3.Approach companies or recruitment agencies?Any advise or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.Dr NKM

Something tells me you're going to be distinctly disappointed moving from medicine to consulting. That is my advice mate.

The consultancy market's not in its greatest shape either at the moment, but suggest an MBA would be your best route in. You could also look at Atos as they've recently been hiring doctors for their new health venture.

Why not consider management roles in the NHS? Much easier to get into as you are already there. Meanwhile study an MBA part time.

Yes, your best shot would be applying to the NHS grad mgt scheme. You do a DMS as part of that. Having completed the scheme, and with a couple of years further experience, you could apply for further study to extend your DMS into an MBA. From there, apply to consulting.

Most consultancies will take you as a graduate rather than an Associate, so you'd be better off financially (and be more likely to get onto the course) doing a Masters in Management rather than an MBA. Alternatively, you could study an MPA (Masters of Public Administration) specialising in healthcare in the US where experience is less important.

Neetu, from your post it sounds like you are just starting to research the industry.If that is the case I would start by reading up as much as possible about the different roles that may be of interest to you, and then get some professional advice on your CV, cover letter, the application process, interviews etc. Good recruitment consultants will be able to help with this, or you may need to pay someone. Without this you really stand very little chance.You are probably aware that there are countless doctors applying to consulting firms at the moment, but you may not be aware that the application process is much more vigorous than you will have been through in medicine, so only the few that are completely prepared will get in. In addition I know that a couple of the top firms in London have recently hired out of the NHS so they may not want/need any more doctors. All that being the case, if you are sure about leaving medicine I would also start to look at plans B and C if consulting is Plan A.If you want to work in one of the more prestigious strategy companies, then realistically an MBA from a top school will be your best route. Forget other Masters or MPHs - these companies recruit MBAs from just a handful of schools.Speak to as many people as you can but don't contact any firms until you are confident that you can hold your own in an interview-type discussion about healthcare and the consulting industry - treat every interaction as an interview.One last thing - if, in an interview, you say that you want to work in consulting because the NHS is in a 'right state', you will not get a job. Think pulls rather than pushes.

Thanks Dr for your suggestions..Ofcourse I would not say that the NHS is a "right state" in interview!! Just my thoughts coming out there!! Your advice sounds realistic and and I shall get on the case with what you have said..think the MBA is a definate course that I have to look into, Luckily, I have a job for august onwards for another year so will have plan B.thanks again.

You might also consider the Fellowship in Manufacturing Management at Cranfield

Why???