Darien Hinson

Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business

[Darien is part of the MD/MBA program with Baylor College of Medicine and Rice Business.]

“Driven medical student, future dermatologist; passionate about innovating healthcare and tackling health disparities.”

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Fun Fact About Yourself: Earlier this year, I completed my clinical medical training and celebrated my grandfather’s 100th birthday, who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba.

 Undergraduate School and Major: Master of Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor of Community Health from Texas A&M University

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Rising 4th-year Medical Student at Baylor College of Medicine; Research Assistant in Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital

What has been your favorite part of Houston so far? Why? What I love most about Houston is its incredible cultural diversity. Training in the Texas Medical Center, I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in this rich tapestry of cultures. Each day brings new, eye-opening experiences that have deeply enriched both my personal and professional life.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Rice Jones MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The varied Rice Business curriculum, covering entrepreneurship to real estate, truly resonates with me. It complements my passion for dermatology and community health, offering fresh perspectives on treating diverse patient populations. This blend of courses fosters a unique synergy, enhancing my approach to healthcare and driving innovations to address health disparities effectively.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Rice Jones? My involvement in BBSA transcended developing leadership skills; it was a journey of personal growth, connecting deeply with my community and fellow Black professionals. This experience was transformative, enriching my understanding and sense of belonging.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Being inducted into Baylor College of Medicine’s AOA chapter was a career-defining moment for me. This honor, from the oldest medical honor society, acknowledged not just my academic performance in the top 20% but also my profound dedication to medical excellence.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? Excelling in Professor Weston’s Finance course was a pivotal milestone in my MBA journey. It represented not just academic success, but my ability to tackle challenges outside my comfort zone, showcasing my adaptability and desire to continuously grow.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? The most memorable moment during my MBA wasn’t just the end-of-term Business Communications project; it was the incredible journey of collaborating with my diverse teammates, overcoming hurdles together, and creating something we all were proud of. It was a lesson in teamwork, perseverance and effective communication.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into the Rice Jones MBA program? My advice for potential applicants isn’t just to apply; it’s to embrace the transformative journey that Rice Business offers. The skills and network you’ll gain are beyond compare. For example, a group project wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a real-world application of classroom theories, enhancing my practical understanding of business.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE RICE JONES MBA CLASS OF 2025