Mark Clay ’26

I’ve been in healthcare for almost 25 years. Six years ago, I transitioned into a new leadership role at a hospital within one of the largest provider networks in the country and realized there was so much to learn about the business side of medicine. This career shift sparked my interest in pursuing an MBA: I want to continue caring for patients medically, but I also want to strengthen the system. How can we provide quality healthcare efficiently and economically?

At SOM, courses like Operations Engine and Healthcare Operations have helped me think through the different operating pieces of our system and how to make them more effective. I was able to immediately apply these insights to nurse, bed, and patient flow in our unit. Game Theory, another standout course, helped me think more strategically about my decisions, as well as how to better anticipate the decisions of people I’m negotiating with. I’ve found that the coursework has changed how I show up in discussions with executive leadership. Now, I’m able to speak their language when we talk about hospital operations and efficiency.

I work with people in healthcare every day, but I don’t usually engage with people in finance, insurance, tech, and sustainability. The diversity of the cohort was the deciding factor in my decision to come to SOM. I’ve learned so much from my classmates, and that cross-pollination of ideas has made this a truly enriching experience for me.

Managing work, life, and school can be tough; having the support of my family and colleagues has been essential. This year, I had to lean into this support system so I could be fully present in the program. The travel and the rigor of the curriculum can be daunting, but it’s worth it. This has been one of the most significant periods of growth I’ve experienced in my career.