Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
See how this local sports surgeon upgraded his practice with better business sense
Reading time: 5 minutes
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As a specialist at Andrews Sports Medicine in Birmingham, Dr. Marcus A. Rothermich has made it his mission to provide exceptional care to his patients—but in the competitive world of sports medicine, staying ahead requires more than extensive medical training.
We caught up with Dr. Rothermich to learn how his recent graduation from Auburn University’s Physicians Executive MBA (PEMBA) program has given him new tools to enhance patient care and clinic operations in Birmingham’s sports community.
Meet Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA: Sports medicine meets business mindset
If you ever break a bone, tear a tendon or have aching joints, Dr. Rothermich is the guy you want to see.
A board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Dr. Rothermich has spent the last decade building a practice trusted by his growing network of patients, who range from weekend warriors to elite professional athletes.
“In the time that I’ve spent taking care of patients, I’ve noticed I’m starting to care for their relatives, their children and their parents. It’s been really neat to see how that network has grown in the decade I’ve been practicing.”
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA, Andrews Sports Medicine
Dr. Rothermich’s journey in Birmingham began in 2016 with a fellowship at Andrews Sports Medicine. Since he joined the world-renowned orthopedic clinic in 2017, Dr. Rothermich has added several feathers to his proverbial cap:
- Became the first surgeon in the world to utilize the Microsoft HoloLens® virtual reality goggles in a sports medicine surgical procedure.
- Trained extensively to utilize Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA® Robotic Knee System for total knee replacements and is one of only two orthopaedic surgeons in Birmingham to do so.
- Coordinated medical care for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants during the MLB at Rickwood Field: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues game.
How an MBA helped Dr. Rothermich uplevel his practice
As he progressed through his career, Dr. Rothermich noticed an increasing need for business acumen in his day-to-day practice. Although he had extensive medical training, leadership and business principles had become crucial to his practice’s success.
“I had never taken a business class in all my education. But as my practice grew, I noticed I needed to understand leadership, management and business to make my clinic run smoothly and efficiently.”
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA, Andrews Sports Medicine
After exploring his options, Dr. Rothermich landed on the Physicians Executive MBA (PEMBA) at Auburn University. A program of the Harbert College of Business, Auburn’s PEMBA was specifically crafted to complement the busy workload of physicians—in fact, the cohort is comprised entirely of physicians.
“One of the major benefits of the physician-only cohort was that we all spoke the same ‘language,’ despite having different specialties and being in different phases of our careers. Being in a cohort of physicians stimulated interesting discussions and added incalculable value to the program.”
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA, Andrews Sports Medicine
Through a unique blend of online coursework, immersive on-campus residencies and several eye-opening travel experiences, PEMBA candidates gain invaluable skills in management, finance and leadership.
“While I didn’t know a thing about supply chain management when I started, Auburn’s PEMBA helped me realize how critical supply chain efficiency is when running an outpatient clinic. The skills I picked up have helped me optimize patient flow and make my team run most effectively.”
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA, Andrews Sports Medicine
Master both medicine + management through the Physicians Executive MBA
Since graduating from the PEMBA program at Auburn, multiple leadership and consulting opportunities have opened up for Dr. Rothermich. His new skills allowed him to take on impactful roles, such as helping launch an initiative within his professional society that teaches young physicians how to be good leaders and run an effective team.
“I’ve had a lot of friends and colleagues ask about Auburn’s Executive MBA programs. The best advice that I can give is to do it as quickly as you can, no matter where you are in your career.
Auburn’s PEMBA opened up new opportunities, changed the way I operate my practice and how I think about leadership and management. Without a doubt, it’s been totally worth it.”
Marcus A. Rothermich, MD, MBA, Andrews Sports Medicine
If you’re looking to gain a better understanding of the business world, Auburn’s Physicians Executive MBA program is just what you’re looking for. To learn more, schedule an appointment with a program admission advisor today.
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