In this conversation, we talk with Dr. Suneeth, a doctor who has chosen a different path from the usual clinical route. He describes his journey from the uncertainty he faced after earning his MBBS to his role in strategy consulting. He shares how his curiosity and openness to exploring new directions helped him create a career that combines medicine, business, and innovation.
Why and how did you decide to leave medicine?
I have always been passionate about technology and computers. But my family encouraged me to take up medicine, so I followed that path.
After completing my MBBS, I faced a major dilemma.
“How do I align my interests with technology while still utilising my medical knowledge?”
Back in 2017–2018, pursuing an MBA was the most practical path for doctors looking to transition into management, so I chose that route.
What was your first professional experience after the MBA?
My first role was a summer internship with a global medical device manufacturer. The challenge was significant: revenue in one of the southern regions of India had dropped sharply despite high demand.
My job was to rebuild trust with healthcare professionals, set up new
distribution channels, and restore recurring revenue. It was essentially a live market entry case study, a very enriching commercial experience.
How about your time in consulting?
I began my consulting journey in the life sciences practice of a global firm, where we focused on reimagining pharmaceutical R&D. My role centred on building AI and machine learning solutions to make clinical research faster and more efficient.
Working with leading pharma companies, we streamlined trial design, improved operations, and reduced costs across key therapeutic areas.
“The real impact was seeing trials move faster and promising treatments reach patients sooner.”
Along the way, I led cross-functional teams and helped scale oncology programs that made a tangible difference.
Where are you heading next in your career?
My goal is to leverage both my medical and business background to grow the company strategically. Ultimately, I want to move into a senior leadership role, working closely with founders, engaging with the government, and driving international expansion.
What career paths do you see available today for young doctors who want to go beyond clinical practice?
I would group them into five broad categories:
For MBBS graduates thinking of an MBA, what should they know?
The CAT exam is absolutely doable for medical graduates. In fact, MBBS graduates often benefit from the “diversity profile” weightage.
The first two months of an MBA can be tough, especially in finance and accounting, where commerce students have an edge. But in courses like marketing, sales, and organisational behaviour, everyone is on the same level, so adaptation is quite achievable.
What about placements after an MBA?
At top B-schools, placements are structured and highly reliable, with companies coming directly to campuses.
For niche programs like MPH or AI/ML, opportunities are wider. Landing a job might require good networking/ targeted job search. Interestingly, the combination of MBBS with an MBA is still rare in India, so companies and recruiters often approach candidates directly.
Any final advice on MBA programs?
“Avoid online MBAs that lack interaction. The real learning happens in classrooms, through case studies, peer interactions, and faculty discussions.”
Online MBAs don’t provide that, and employers often perceive a gap in skills and exposure.
Editor’s Note
Dr. Suneeth’s journey shows that a medical degree is not a limitation but a strong foundation for diverse career paths. From medicine to consulting, he illustrates how doctors can successfully redefine their careers beyond the clinic.