MD/MBA Candidate 2009
Full-Time Student
Concentration(s): Management, Human Resources and Information Technology in Healthcare Reform (Self-Directed)
Industry/Field of Work: Medicine
Undergraduate Degree: Biology
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Career Goal: Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Hospital Administration
Organization Involvement: Subcommittee for LGSB Diversity Committee
E-mail: ejeng2@uic.edu
Why did you return to school to obtain your MBA?
The joint MD/MBA degree program provided the optimal situation for me to garner the academic tools necessary for my future as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Hospital Administrator.
What was the most important factor for you when choosing an MBA program?
Faculty and cost both played the most important roles.
Why did you choose UIC Liautaud for your MBA?
Up-and-coming MBA program, and convenience for joint degree.
We all know that people pursue an MBA to increase their business knowledge, but since you have started the program, what has been the most unexpected gain the MBA has given you?
Networking connections.
UIC Liautaud MBA professors are continuously involved in research of new business trends and innovations. How have you felt the professors have been able to integrate their theoretical knowledge into practical applications?
Professor James Gillespie’s Strategic Management course displayed the best integration of academics and reality. Throughout the course we learned about the foundation of competitive and strategic management and applied this theory with real consultation services to two Chicago-based non-profit organizations.
Which course or professor has been your favorite thus far and why?
I have a group of favorites because each brought a different outlook to the table. In alphabetical order they are Professors John Binder, Shelley Brickson, James Gillespie, Thomas Lee, Mary Beth Watson-Manheim, Maija Renko, and Peter Thompson.
What is your favorite aspect of the UIC Liautaud MBA program?
Flexibility.
How would you define the Liautaud student?
Diverse and intelligent.
If you were to come up with a tagline for the Liautaud MBA, what would it be?
Among Chicago’s best business educations, at a fraction of the competitive cost.
How difficult have you found it to balance school with work and your personal life?
No. Balance has always been my strong suit.
