Shreya Rao

The combination of management and healthcare competencies is what sets an MHA degree apart from other comparable Master’s programs, offering a unique skill set that you cannot receive from programs focused solely on healthcare or business.

I am a Healthcare Management & Policy (HCMP) graduate and up until recently I was working as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Transplantation Research Center for Nephrology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. During undergrad, I conducted research in many different settings including manuscript research for American health systems and research on myocardial infarction at St. Francis Hospital in New York. As an HCMP student, I had the chance to work in clinical settings with an administrative scope, such as being part of a team at Georgetown MedStar Hospital responsible for cost-saving in the Perioperative Department.

I am from Long Island, NY, and I like to read, hike, and spend time at the beach when I can.

What drew you to pursue an MHA degree?

I found my undergraduate experience in Healthcare Management & Policy to be fascinating and I wanted to delve deeper into critical health management topics to facilitate my development as a well-rounded future physician. The combination of management and healthcare competencies is what sets an MHA degree apart from other comparable Master’s programs, offering a unique skill set that you cannot receive from programs focused solely on healthcare or business.

Why Dartmouth?

What drew me to Dartmouth’s MHA was the fact that the program is a collaborative curriculum between the Tuck Business School and the Geisel Medical School; this is something no other school currently offers and I really do believe that this is the best of both worlds. Furthermore, the faculty and staff here truly wish the best for their students and have been incredibly supportive and welcoming to us.

What has been the best part of the program for you – so far?

So far, the best part has been the on-campus residential sessions. The in-person learning was rigorous and fast-paced, during which I learned so much all while having the opportunity to meet some amazing faculty members and students. I am amazed at what our class has to offer and the diverse backgrounds we all come from.

What are your career goals post-MHA?

I am an aspiring physician, and I am working towards medical school post-MHA. In the course of my career, I will strive to make meaningful connections with colleagues and patients. I want to look back at my career one day and say that I have made a worthwhile change in the lives of those around me, whether that be through clinical, research, or administrative means.

What would you tell a friend or colleague who was considering Dartmouth’s MHA program?

Apply! The members in this program – faculty, staff, and students alike – are extremely supportive in helping you achieve your professional goals. We would love to answer any questions you may have, and to those who choose to go forward with this program, I hope that you enjoy this experience as much as I have been so far.