2020 Best & Brightest Online MBAs: Heather Rachel Davids, University of Massachusetts Amherst (Isenberg)

Heather Rachel Davids

University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management Online MBA

“Full-time mom. Full-time physician. Perpetual student.”

Age: 49

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Fun fact about yourself:  Many years ago (as an undergrad), one of my many odd jobs was a blackjack dealer for a large casino

Undergraduate School and Degree:

University of California – Davis  BA Psychology

University of New Mexico School of Medicine – MD

University of Colorado School of Medicine – Internship, Residency, and Fellowship

Where are you currently working? Sutter Medical Group, Comprehensive Pain Management, Sacramento, CA

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose this program (U Mass Amherst Isenberg) because of its excellent reputation, robust academic standards, and the ability to combine affordability and flexibility. As a full-time physician and single mother, I needed a program that would allow me to study and engage while not taking time away from my other commitments.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? I enjoyed the flexibility and being able to interact with students from all over the country with ease.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? I was surprised by how easy it was to arrange for online group projects and conversations.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Both experiences were unique and rewarding. When I was an undergraduate, in hindsight, I had many fewer responsibilities and commitments. As a graduate student, I had to effectively manage running a very busy medical practice, running a household and keeping up with my classwork.  It was difficult. However, immersing in the online graduate program was equally rewarding because I brought so many other life experiences with me.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program?  All of the organizational and study skills necessary for success in traditional settings are also essential in the online environment.

What would you change about an online MBA Program? Nothing. It was a great program. And the online interface was dynamically being improved and adjusted over the time I was in the program.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? As a physician leader, it has become essential to understand business philosophy and language if one wants to be effective and influential in the healthcare environment. My online education allowed me to earn an MBA and better understand business influences while continuing to build my practice and apply real-life situations to my academic endeavors.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?  My goal is two-fold. My passion as a pain management physician is to continue to develop and build a premier comprehensive pain management program. Secondly, my goal is to continue to forge important relationships and develop a skill set to allow me to integrate into my current group and in my community as a physician leader. Obtaining my MBA was one step in the process of declaring my intention to do both well.

Don’t Miss: The Entire Honor Roll of the Best & Brightest Online MBA Grads of 2020

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