Why did you decide to pursue an MBA at the University of Iowa?

I’m an ophthalmologist in a private practice with seven partners, and we manage ourselves and run our business. I had colleagues who endorsed the Iowa MBA program and thought it would be a good fit for me.

I did my ophthalmology training at the University of Iowa, which was an excellent experience. That definitely made me more comfortable choosing Iowa again. It felt like a natural continuation of my training.

What was it like to complete your degree in an online format?

When I was in school before, we didn’t have many online courses, so I wasn’t sure how that would translate into building a community. But I was surprised by how much teamwork we did. We met regularly in small groups, worked through projects together, and really got to know each other and our different industries. Even though it was virtual, it still felt collaborative.

How did the program help you balance work, family, and school?

Time management was something I was concerned about going in. I work full time, have a family, and stay involved in the community. The flexibility of the program made a big difference. I took one course at a time, attended the two-hour weekly session, and completed the rest of the work on my own schedule. That flexibility helped reduce stress and made it manageable pretty quickly.

What is one of the most valuable things you learned?

In our business and in many organizations, decisions are often made based on gut feeling. One thing I really learned is how to tie decisions back to a strategy or goal — whether it’s marketing, hiring, or purchasing. I feel much more confident now in making decisions that are aligned with a long-term plan.

What challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them?

Time management was the biggest challenge, but the structure of each course helped. We had clear syllabi outlining the eight weeks ahead, so I could plan around work and travel. Even when I was out of town, I could still attend sessions and keep up with assignments. That flexibility made a big difference.

Do you feel like a Hawkeye?

Yes. I’ve spent seven years of my life at the University of Iowa between my residency and MBA. I take a lot of pride in that. I’ve enjoyed being part of the university community and everything that comes with it.

How has your MBA prepared you to make an impact beyond your career?

I’ve been fortunate to serve on nonprofit boards and be involved with our state medical society. Before, I might have hesitated to take on roles outside of medicine. Now, I feel much more confident saying yes. I understand strategy and communication better, and I’m excited to contribute more in those spaces.

What has it been like to build a life in Iowa?

I’m originally from Missouri, but Iowa has been a great place for my family. We’ve really put down roots here. Our kids are involved in activities, and we’ve found a strong sense of community. The people are friendly, and even in my day-to-day work, my patients are wonderful to interact with. It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else now.

What’s next for you?

I plan to work with our office manager and senior staff to redevelop our long-term strategic plan using what I’ve learned. As I continue to step into a larger leadership role, having that strategic focus will be really important for our practice moving forward.

Who has supported you along the way?

I’d like to thank Lisa Smith, my advisor, for helping me navigate the program and keeping me connected. And most importantly, my wife, Julie. She took on a lot at home while I was in the program — getting our kids to activities and supporting me when I had classes or projects. I wouldn’t have been able to complete this without her support.