Tiffani Bell Washington ’25

The healthcare sector is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in policy, access to care, and specialized fields like lifestyle medicine, obesity management, and psychiatry. Scaling my private practice, I realized that clinical expertise alone wasn’t enough for sustainable growth. I knew an MBA could provide new tools in operational efficiency and long-term strategy.

I have also encountered disparities in compensation in the sector, particularly in negotiating fair and equitable pay. Advocating for myself, I met resistance, and I realized that to create a space for equity, I needed to understand the broader business mechanisms that influence these decisions. This experience cemented my desire to pursue an MBA—not only to navigate my own career but to tackle the structural inequities within healthcare.

The EMBA program is so multifaceted. It equips leaders with tools to optimize operational efficiency, better manage teams and resources, and ultimately enhance financial outcomes. I’ve gained immediately applicable skills, such as recognizing “value added” initiatives and understanding the importance of return on investment before implementing new interventions. The systematic approach to tackling bottlenecks has improved the operational flow in my practice, and lessons from the Negotiation Strategies course have been instrumental in contract discussions. Every time I return to work, I bring an expanded mindset and new tools that allow me to solve problems creatively and strategically.

I began my EMBA journey while eight months pregnant with my fifth child, so I’ve had ample practice in managing competing priorities. One key strategy is setting aside time for family, self-care, and rest as diligently as I do for work and school. Sometimes just showing up and doing my best is enough. It’s important to give ourselves grace as we challenge ourselves to grow in new roles. My faith has been a guiding force in maintaining my own balance and so has my support network of family and friends who keep me grounded. A surprise baby shower from my classmates in our first year reminded me of the importance of community in this journey.