Jaime Zorrilla Sánchez de Neyra

MIT, Sloan School of Management

“A super positive smiling guy who always wants to make a difference.”

Hometown: Madrid, Spain.

Fun Fact About Yourself: Bagpiper and instagram foodie that is crazy about Japanese cuisine.(@foodin.foodout).

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Bachelor’s degree in Medicine. 

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery.

Resident Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My most significant accomplishment has been treating thousands of patients with the highest dedication. Helping others, improving their health and well-being, and educating them to have a healthy lifestyle are the most satisfying achievements so far.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why?The quality that best describes my classmates is the willingness to help each other. We have created an amazing group where everyone collaborates with new ideas and information relevant to all. In my opinion, it is fantastic to start this new project with the support of such excellent and intelligent people, something that will make this experience unforgettable.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The key factor that made me choose MIT Sloan was its collaborative environment.  Being the youngest of three siblings, doing sports, and working in an operating room with multiple surgeons (even from other departments) has shown me that true success is only possible from collaboration and teamwork.  I love working as a team, and it is also one of the reasons why I became an orthopedic and trauma surgeon. Collaborating with other Sloanies is going to be one of the most important factors of my experience during the program since I believe that they are one of the main assets of MIT Sloan.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Professionally, I would like to be part of the Sloan´s Healthcare Club community, where I will have the opportunity to engage and explore amazing opportunities in the healthcare sector and contribute with my medical perspective, research-driven work ethic, commitment to new ideas, and love of making new relationships. Regarding leisure, I am looking forward to joining the “Happy Belly” Club, and Water Sports Club, as I am a keen kitesurfer.  Also, I would be great to infiltrate the Japanese club to keep growing my passion for their culture and cuisine.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? As an Orthopedic and Trauma Surgeon in one of Spain’s most important hospitals and after treating thousands of patients during the last five years, I realized that my real goal is to improve the Spanish healthcare system and the lives of millions of people. My experiences convinced me of my goal, but I am seeking an extreme career change in order to make a radical impact. This is why I need Sloan: its mission to train me to become a leader who can create new solutions to conventional problems in healthcare, its Healthcare Certificate and its location in the most important hub of bioscience and healthcare in the world.

How did you decide if an MBA was worth the investment? In my opinion, investing in education and training are things that I consider fundamental, even though it is a big investment. Money is important but, I think that what is more important is to believe in your long-term project, and for me, to invest in an MBA is crucial to have the credit and the knowledge needed to make the radical career change that I want.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? I did not apply to other MBA programs because I was so sure that I needed Sloan. I believe Sloan will not only help my transition from orthopedic and trauma surgery to healthcare entrepreneurship, but also impact my life long-term due to two years immersed in the collaborative, innovative and impressive Sloan Staff.

How did you determine your fit at various schools? After talking to numerous post-MBAs and doing research about where is the most important hub of bioscience in the world, I decided to apply just to MIT Sloan. I was convinced that it was my best option, and I went for it. If I had not been admitted, I would have waited for the next admission round. Honestly, for me is more important to spot the school, rather than be hasty.

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? When I was fifteen, I saw a motorbike accident and I felt I could have done something.  After this experience, I decided to be on the frontline in helping people, so I studied medicine. Since I can remember, I love to have a positive impact on others because I feel that to help is something intrinsic to humanity. Right now, after helping thousands of people in the hospital, I decided to increase the helping influence and improve the health of millions of people outside the hospital.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? I would like to take a 2-week kitesurfing vacation with my wife to unwind. This would give me the opportunity to clear my head, focus on my goals, and set my priorities.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I may establish myself as one of the members of the board of doctors of a big hospital or maybe as another member of the Health Ministry of Spain. I want to make a difference not only locally but also internationally. I think it is essential to see how other countries and industries work so that I could have more resources to accomplish my objectives. However, I know that after two years at MIT Sloan, anything and everything could happen.  I want to go to MIT Sloan with a clear mind so that I can nourish from the collaborative and innovative environment. Even though I have a specific goal, I would be lying if I did not confess that I am prone to exploring other industries in healthcare.