When I imagined my career, I envisioned joining the field of medicine as a clinician, passionate about making a difference through patient care. However, as I began working in the field and considering where I could make the most impact, I noticed a shift in my interest from patient care to health administration. Rather than a deviation from my path, this marked an evolution in how I want to express my passion.

There are many ways to contribute to the advancement of patient care beyond direct clinical care. Health administration allows me to be part of systemic changes, influencing policies, and ensuring that the health care landscape continues to evolve for the better.  

The Balancing Act

Balancing a full-time job, a rigorous academic program, and planning for the future posed great challenges. Managing my time has been the largest challenge I’ve faced. While managing the work within the course is not too difficult, I have found it challenging to make time for some aspects of the program. For example, helping my team members when they do not understand something, having weekly team meetings to plan for our future team assignments, losing my weekends to focus on schoolwork, and having the time to meet with previous MSQM class members and faculty has been challenging.

On top of this, gaining different technical skills, learning new concepts that I have little experience in, and networking, at times, makes me feel like a fish out of water. However, reaching out and speaking with my professors and peers has allowed me to develop more confidence and direction in my career. The Fuqua professors have been very much open to conversation and career advice.

With the guidance of my professors and peers, I have found myself being more confident in what I do, which encourages me to put myself out there. I still remember my team members encouraging me to run for class representative when I didn’t feel qualified for the position. The close-knit nature of Fuqua is not something to be understated!

Duke’s Role in My Transformation

In addition to the academic growth, the program has also fostered my personal development and career development. The diverse and inclusive environment at Duke University has broadened my perspectives and enriched my understanding of different professions and viewpoints.

The networking opportunities provided by Duke and Fuqua have allowed me to connect with industry professionals and alumni, which has been invaluable in expanding my professional network. I am grateful for my transformative journey, and I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills to contribute to the advancement of health care.

Embracing the Unknown

Embarking on this career change feels both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The uncertainty, the risk, and the fear of not knowing what lies in front of me will continue to weigh heavily on me. However, I am committed to being proactive and doing everything in my power to stack the deck in my favor.

One hurdle I had to overcome was being confident to put my name out there. Whether that be to run for positions in my cohort or leveraging Duke’s resources, including networking opportunities, distinguished faculty guidance, guidance from my peers, and the alumni network. I am arming myself with the tools needed to navigate this uncharted territory and thrive within it.

Looking Ahead

In my role as a class representative, I am putting myself out there, embracing future goals that involve utilizing the Duke alumni network, honing my networking skills, and expanding my leadership capabilities through platforms like LinkedIn. As I navigate this intricate web of responsibilities and aspirations, I am mindful of the need to strike a balance and not overwhelm the narrative.

My transition from pursuing medicine to health administration is a dynamic and evolving journey. While the destination may not be crystal clear, the lessons learned, the skills acquired, and the network built during this process are invaluable. Duke University has been my anchor in this transformative period. As I step into the unknown, I am confident that the skills, knowledge, and experiences gained will shape a future where I can truly make a lasting impact in the realm of health administration.