Graduate Program in Health Management
Career Options - Healthcare
Healthcare Testimonials
Sara Drake, MBA/MPH 07
What did you do before coming to Berkeley?
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I was an acute-care pharmacist at Woodwinds, an innovative hospital near St. Paul, Minnesota.
Did you know you wanted to work in healthcare after graduation?
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Absolutely. I've always worked in healthcare; I can't imagine myself anywhere else. I returned to business school to enable the move from a clinical role to a management role. I could never leave healthcare entirely. I love the complexity as well as the knowledge that my work is contributing to something undeniably important.
How did the MBA/MPH program help you prepare for a career in healthcare?
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The program at Berkeley is unbelievable. While we learned the inner workings of the industry through the integrated curriculum, much of the real learning occurs outside the classroom. I had the opportunity to meet with countless senior executives in healthcare and ask the about their experiences and the challenges they face. I'm continually impressed with how accessible many of the industry leaders are to Berkeley students. I had the chance to grow my leadership skills through involvement in the healthcare industry club and in planning the Business of Healthcare Conference. Most importantly, I got to know my future colleagues and had the invaluable opportunity of working with them on academic and extracurricular projects. The students at Haas are smart -- that much is clear -- but they are also enthusiastic, collaborative, and fun.
Abby Josephs, MBA/MPH 07
What did you do before coming to Berkeley?
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For five years I worked in Boston on healthcare policy at the federal and state level. Most of my efforts were aimed at providing quality, affordable healthcare to low-income children and their families.
Why did you want to do the MBA/MPH program?
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At work, I frequently noticed a disconnect between the passionate healthcare advocates and the "business" types who had most of the control. Organizations that made a compelling business case were the most successful in attaining resources and those that had financial and analytical competency achieved better results. I knew that to be an effective healthcare leader I needed an MBA. But I was concerned that most MBA programs didn't understand the unique business realities of the healthcare industry. I wanted a program that applied the core business education to relevant healthcare examples.
Did you know you wanted to work in healthcare after graduation?
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I was fairly certain that I wanted to do healthcare: and even more so once I learned about the MBA/MPH program. Healthcare is an incredibly complex industry, has a trajectory of growth for years to come, and truly impacts people's lives. I can't think of a better industry in which to apply my skills and passion.
How did the MBA/MPH program help you prepare for a career in healthcare?
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The program provided a wealth of opportunity for me to explore and sharpen my healthcare interests. The coursework allowed me to become fully conversant in the major healthcare trends and upcoming issues. The networking events provided access to mentors, exposed me to organizations and positions I never knew about, and linked me into an enthusiastic alumni community. The healthcare club provided me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and help shape the healthcare community at Haas. The advisors gladly opened their Rolodexes and gave me a wealth of personal connections for informational interviewing and job opportunities. But, perhaps most important, I loved being part of a vibrant student body with a diverse set of healthcare interests. I learned more from my classmates than I thought possible and I'm confident these lasting relationships will serve me throughout my career.
Katherine Scott, MBA/MPH 06
What did you do before coming to Berkeley?
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I spent two years as a litigation consultant and three and a half years as a healthcare consultant for hospitals.
How did the MBA/MPH program help you prepare for a career in healthcare?
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It was an incredible experience. I had an opportunity to interact with students, alumni, and professors with different healthcare interests, investigate many career paths, and broaden my knowledge of the healthcare industry. Specifically, I'd like to highlight my internship experience in India, which opened my eyes to the possibility of international health as a career option. Some of my favorite classes included An Introduction to Healthcare Systems in the US, International Health, and Public Policy in the Business of Healthcare. I had extremely talented and knowledgeable professors who were very accessible for class and career advice. The program prepared me to be able to excel in a variety of positions.
Monica Wiese, MBA/MPH 05
Internal Managerial Consultant
Kaiser Permanente, Oakland CA
What did you do before coming to Berkeley?
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As a marketing and sales manager within three different industries (biotechnology, educational technology, and telecommunications), I developed strong project management skills.
You originally joined the MBA program and subsequently switched into the dual degree program. What were the reasons behind the switch?
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Prior to Haas, I knew that I wanted to return to the healthcare industry; however, I was not aware of the value of the dual degree. As a result of interviewing over six alumni and ten students, I learned the extent to which I would be able to specialize in the healthcare industry through the dual degree.
How did the MBA/MPH program help you prepare for a career in the healthcare area?
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The program provided me with a forum to discuss health economic issues with experts and practitioners in the field. An MBA would have provided me with the general management skills and knowledge to succeed in any career after Haas. However, the dual degree enabled me to explore the key environmental issues that the healthcare industry is currently facing. By providing me with a foundational basis of the industries' intricacies with regards to policy, regulation, competition, market demand and product innovation, I was armed with the knowledge to face management issues within a healthcare organization.
How has the Haas healthcare program helped you in your current career?
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As an internal Managerial Consultant for Kaiser Permanente, I am constantly aware of the market pressures that are directly and indirectly affecting hospital operations. The program has enabled me to be aware of the healthcare market pressures. As a result, I have incorporated long-range impact of management decisions. I have worked with key leaders to develop comprehensive solutions that have minimal negative externalities. I have learned how to uncover the underlying purpose of policies to ensure the spirit of the policy is incorporated into corporate operations. I have become aware of key regulatory bodies and the impact on healthcare organizations. Additionally, I have gained legitimacy with key healthcare leaders and have obtained the ability to influence management decisions.
