Jessica K. Goeller, DO

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“Pediatric Anesthesiologist from Australia who is passionate about servant leadership and advocacy.”

Age: 47

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska [Originally from Adelaide, South Australia]

Fun fact about yourself: Traveled to 31 countries, served in the US Army in Germany/Hungary deployment from 1996-2000.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Brigham Young University – BS in Microbiology & Molecular Biology

Where are you currently working? Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha NE

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Authentically, it was earning my MBA while working 80 – 100 hours per week, serving vulnerable children, and leading locally, regionally, nationally and internationally for education and research for opioid stewardship and pediatric pain management.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? The top online MBA program with the rigor that C-suite administration requires provides value for the education compared to local, regional and national competitors.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Connecting with people from other fields of business with different lenses on topics broadened my perspective beyond the healthcare leadership view. The leadership elective courses for strategy, culture, and legal considerations were very impactful.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The in-class rigor and the networking were so effectively replicated.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? It requires adaptation and adeptness with the technology. However, both were streamlined and provided additional skills and interaction with national and international students that I could not intersect with in person.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Have realistic expectations for time commitments and balance with full time work with the program. Ask for help any time you need it. The professors are amazing!

What would you change about an online MBA Program? I would want each class to have several zoom meetings to discuss material, assignments and walk through examples of problems. This allows us to not only interact, but have real time access with the class members for pertinent questions.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? I’ve learned skills for presenting data and running meetings, as well as other leadership qualities. These skills have accelerated my ability to be an more efficient leader in my current job. I have leadership roles across my enterprise and have been able to advocate most effectively using the skills and language needed.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes. I have been promoted to Clinical Service Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia at Children’s Omaha.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? Convenience of flexible hours to coincide with my full-time job.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: At least 10 hours.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? It would be a combined clinical and C-suite administrative role in medicine. Would love to be COO or CEO if the right opportunity presented itself.

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