Jake Bal ’25

The healthcare industry is facing intense financial pressure, especially within the small, specialized practices that play a crucial role in delivering targeted care. These practices are struggling with reimbursement rates that haven’t adjusted to inflation and with rising operational costs. At the same time, patient expectations are shifting toward more personalized, convenient, and affordable care options. How can we maintain adequate compensation and preserve the sustainability of essential services?

With an EMBA, I’m hoping to gain the skills to lead in this challenging space. With my education and background as a practicing clinician, I want to bridge the gaps between patient needs, provider well-being, and financial viability.

The course that’s had the most significant impact on me so far is Healthcare Operations with Professor Edieal Pinker. With my operations background, I knew the content was going to be relevant, but I didn’t expect to gain a whole new perspective. The concepts and frameworks shared, along with the diverse experiences of my classmates, opened my eyes to the science behind operations and the complexities of the strategies used to navigate it. It’s given me an entirely new vision of what’s possible, particularly with limited resources.

Our weekend workshops have also been phenomenal. The financial modeling bootcamp gave me new tools and a basic understanding of financial models that I used at my workplace the following Monday. Starting with our current situation and incorporating recent trends, I was able to model out several scenarios demonstrating the potential impact of a variety of changes we hoped to make. It was incredible to see just how predictive the models proved to be when it came to deciding which changes to tackle first.

One of the most personally rewarding aspects of the EMBA program has been the focus on providing resources and strategies to help us establish work-life balance. From the holistic leadership program in Madrid during Global Network Week to the Leadership Development Practicum at SOM, the program helped us care for ourselves and for each other. This program is designed for students who are driven not just by personal ambition, but by a desire to elevate others and build a positive, supportive community. I aspire to be a leader who drives change through a combination of curiosity, empathy, and innovation. I want to not only bring value, but also actively promote the success and growth of those around me.