By Eric E. Shore, D.O., MBA

• React to this article in the Discussion Forum.

I returned for my MBA because I recognized that without it, my knowledge was incomplete and my credibility with both sides was questionable at best. Since receiving it, I have seen opportunities in healthcare that were neither obvious nor available to me without this knowledge.

If we are to hang together, however, those of us who have returned to acquire the business knowledge must be allowed to use it to our advantage, while allowing our clinical brethren to practice the highest quality medicine without interruption. Both Medicine and Management are full time professions. One cannot do either part time, and do either well. Yes, physicians must organize, and become a legitimate part of the industrial structure, rather than pining for the cottage industry that no longer exists. If this change is led by those of us with the combined knowledge, and supported by those on each side who believe that Medicine can be practiced with both quality and profit, it can succeed.

Finally, while I agree with Dr. Brown about involvement in politics, this is the most problematic area of all. Politics is the only profession for which the only qualification is birth. Even those of us who may be both qualified and interested, probably lack the sine qua non of election - funding. If your political party can't be convinced to support you, then it is unlikely that you will have the opportunity to even have your views heard, let alone get elected.

Keep up the good work, Dr. Brown, and good luck with your MBA. It is well worth the effort.