Seeking to Innovate the Business of Healthcare

This Q&A has been edited and condensed.

Where are you from?

I am from Monkton, Maryland.

Where did you earn your bachelor’s degree?

I graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Bachelor of Arts in health administration and policy with a concentration in public health. I also minored in computer science.

Why did you decide to pursue an MD/MBA?

I chose to pursue this dual degree to develop the skills needed to effectively manage healthcare systems and formulate impactful healthcare policy in a business context. This will give me the crucial knowledge base needed to take on leadership positions in the healthcare industry. I’d like to develop interdisciplinary solutions that balance practical, clinical knowledge with strong operations and financial management to deliver business solutions.

I ultimately seek to work with rural populations, and through my MD/MBA I plan to bring an innovative perspective to these regions via a new model of healthcare delivery that balances fiscal survival with the clinical needs of these populations.

What led to your choosing Smith as the business school at which to earn an MBA?

I chose Smith because of its commitment to innovation and diverse approaches to applying business concepts to a wide variety of industries. The Smith School is well-positioned to support me through a vast alumni network that spans major private and public medical systems across the Washington, D.C., area. The course offerings go the extra mile in encompassing cutting-edge education across fields like business analytics, management studies, executive leadership and information systems.

Smith and the University of Maryland School of Medicine partner annually to offer the Deans’ MD/MBA Scholarship of $32,000 each to three outstanding students.

How has being one of the recipients impacted your opportunity to get this dual degree?

The scholarship significantly impacts my ability to pursue the dual degree. It alleviates the financial burden associated with taking on an additional graduate degree, which would otherwise be a costly endeavor and challenging to manage. The assistance provided by the scholarship lets me complete my MD and MBA degrees concurrently, rather than needing to return to graduate school post-training. This support is crucial for me to build a career in healthcare administration.

The comprehensive knowledge and skills gained from Smith’s MBA program address the pressing need for physician leaders in management roles. The financial award not only makes this dual degree feasible, but it helps me achieve my professional goals more efficiently.

What did a day at Smith look like for you as you completed the first leg of your MBA coursework?

I finished three online courses for my MBA this summer. A typical day involved completing my assignments remotely and participating in group meetings for each class via Zoom. I was able to structure self-paced individual assignments and synchronous group work around my summer schedule of work and activities related to the MD program. I logged on in the evening twice a week for online classes that were a mix of lectures and discussions with professors and peers.

Although I didn’t take in-person classes at Smith this summer, I felt very connected to my classmates as we interacted virtually to discuss coursework, meet in small groups and work on team projects.

What are your expectations for your career? What are your goals?

I want to be a healthcare leader who challenges the status quo and innovates healthcare organization and delivery to promote strong patient outcomes. My academic and professional journey has explored various facets related to delivering medical care that highlight how it can be improved, integrated and adapted to further the pursuit of health and happiness.

My ultimate professional goal is to act as a voice for patient advocacy and physician functionality in the battle that exists between clinical efficacy and fiscal survival.