Educational background: Stanford University, Quantitative Economics; UCLA School of Medicine (MD)
Current or most recent position: Kaiser Permanente, Staff Surgeon
I was amazed at how accepting MIT Sloan was — there seemed to be no bias. Having a different background, whether business experience or culturally, was seen as an asset rather than a disadvantage. Everyone had something to offer and everyone gained from the group experience. It was so refreshing to be in such an uncompetitive environment where everyone helped each other. I remember during the nights prior to midterms or finals, study sheets would come unsolicited in e-mails offering help. At other times, there would be a flurry of late-night calls, both offering and seeking help with problem sets. It made the experience so much more enjoyable.
I developed a special bond with many classmates during my two years on campus that have grown in the years since we left. We love to get together and either talk or e-mail almost weekly. The large international contingency makes the world seem like a smaller place. When I travel, I often am able to visit fellow Sloanies who provide housing and great tours.
At MIT Sloan there is an opportunity to get involved in the school and make real changes in the academics and the social environment. Few places listen to student input as much as MIT Sloan does. During my second year, I participated in a team that redesigned the core curriculum — the team consisted of administration, alumni, professors, and students. As students, we were treated as equal participants. MIT Sloan encourages this involvement and it is easy to see the importance of being an active member of one's community. This importance has carried over to my current job at Kaiser where I am co-directing the surgical residency program at the hospital and helping to assist with some policy changes.
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