I’ve been researching consulting as a way to bolster my resume and position myself for future leadership/investing roles. I’m curious how hard it would be to get an offer from MBB? I went to a large, relatively prestigious state school for all my training: undergrad, medical school (for which I was the recipient of a merit-based scholarship), and am now in residency. Some people act like MDs have a really good chance but others say it does not bolster you that much. Is an interview offer to MBB attainable? I am pretty confident that I’d do well but wondering if I’d get screened out before even getting a chance.
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This is a fantastic career move, and you are right to be asking this now. You have an extremely high chance of getting the interview, provided you structure your approach correctly.
Here is the mechanical reality: MBB views MDs differently than traditional applicants. Your medical degree and residency serve as an automatic credential filter bypass. When recruiters see that MD, they instantly move you into the Advanced Professional Degree (APD) pool, which is separate from the standard undergrad or MBA hiring tracks. Your value is twofold: scarcity (they have quotas for APD hires) and instant credibility with the Healthcare/Pharma practice. Your problem won't be the initial screen; your problem will be translating your skills and timing your intense preparation around residency demands.
The most common trap for physicians is assuming the MD is the interview solution. The medical degree gets you in the room, but it doesn't solve the case. During the case interviews, the bar is exceptionally high. You must successfully pivot your diagnostic skills (identifying a problem, structuring an approach, synthesizing data) from a clinical setting to a business context (market sizing, profitability, synergy). The interviewer is looking for commercial intuition, not clinical expertise.
Your concrete next step should be twofold: First, clearly define your application narrative—your "why consulting," focused on systems-level problems and organizational impact, not patient care. Second, immediately secure dedicated time for case prep. You need to treat case prep as a second, intensive residency; 80-100 structured cases are not uncommon for APD candidates. If you can commit to the required preparation, an offer is absolutely attainable.
All the best!
Hi Michael,
Thanks for sharing your question on the platform. Having a medical background is a great asset for a consulting firm. I have worked in multiple healthcare engagements in McKinsey and my team including Associates with medical background who have been very helpful in ensuring that we bring a perspective that considers the kind of work our clients do. The MBB bar is going to be the same regardless of what your background is, so you would still need to prep very well, but you will not be screened out just because you have a medical background. I hope this is helpful, and happy to chat more.
Sherif
hey there :)
It is absolutely attainable for an MD to get an MBB interview. Firms actively recruit people with medical training, and your background is seen as a real asset. Your school is completely fine and will not screen you out. What matters most is a clear story for why consulting and solid case prep. From my experience at McKinsey, I have seen many MDs come in at different stages of training, and they were taken very seriously in the recruiting process.
If you feel confident in the interviews, you should definitely apply. You have a real shot. And if you ever want to talk through your profile or prep, just reach out.
best, Alessa :)
Hi Michael,
I've actually worked with lots of doctors and even working with a few at the moment who are transitioning into consulting.
Overall, the 'doctor-profile' is attractive for consulting firms, but to be able to say how attractive yours is specifically I would need to understand more about you.
Feel free to reach out with additional info.
In the meantime, if you're now thinking about applying soon, you might find this guide useful:
Best,
Cristian
Hi there,
I have ex-colleagues in both BCG and Bain who were from MD background, so it is of course possible to get a chance to interview with MBB and/or even get in.
An MD degree itself, though, doesn't guarantee you'd pass the screening. To pass the screening and get a chance of interview, you'd need to make sure your resume is well crafted to make your profile stand out.
Best,
Emily
Hi Michael,
Yes it is attainable.. Your background signals strong academics, discipline, and decision making under pressure, which firms value even if it is not traditional business training. The main risk is less about getting screened out and more about how you perform in the interviews. Also, if you can articulate a credible story for why consulting and show structured thinking in cases, you absolutely have a real shot.
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