Quoc-Dien Trinh

Class / Grad Year: EMBA ‘22

Current Employer / Role: I’m currently the Section Chief of Urology at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard  Medical School, and Co-Director of the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Prostate Cancer Center.

Best Memory at School:

The people are what truly stand out. For many of us, this will likely be the last time we’re in a school setting. Reflecting on the modular format, I have such fond memories of spending time with my classmates at the hotel just off campus, where we would do homework together while preparing dinner.

Biggest Achievement at School:

My Capstone Memoir, which was awarded a prize by the HEC Foundation. It led to the creation of the Mass General Brigham Prostate Cancer Outreach Clinic, dedicated to provide prostate cancer treatment to marginalized populations in New England, and has been highlighted by several media outlets.

Your Advice To New EMBA Students:

You need to dedicate time to completing your schoolwork. While it may be possible to coast along and rely on your classmates for group work, doing so defeats the purpose of being here. The essence of pursuing an EMBA is to learn and grow. This program offers abundant opportunities, but it requires your active engagement and commitment to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Where do you currently live?

I live in Brookline, Massachusetts, conveniently located near the Longwood Medical Area. This area is home to several major hospitals and institutions where I work, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School.

Fun fact about you:

I’ve been playing video games since elementary school and still do. Interestingly, my day job involves using robotic assistance to perform surgeries, which feels quite similar to playing video games.

Why did you choose your school?

First, HEC Paris is an extraordinary school with a top-tier reputation. Second, the opportunity to study in a bilingual setting at HEC Paris was particularly appealing, as it echoed my previous educational experiences including medical school. Lastly, the modular format of the program was ideally suited to my schedule as an academic surgeon with a demanding clinical practice.

Favorite Trait in Others?

It’s hard to name a single trait because a balance between different characteristics is necessary, especially in my field. When hiring surgeons, we often look for individuals who are smart, driven, and humble. These qualities collectively represent the ideal traits I value in others.

One Thing You Would’ve Changed in the EMBA Experience:

The pandemic. Virtual classes/meetings remain challenging even today, but it’s even harder to imagine how difficult it was initially when Zoom was a new tool for most of us.

Favorite Class?

I took several classes with Helene Musikas and I thought they were all excellent. Her approach, characterized by bluntness and transparency in feedback, was incredibly valuable. Her background in consulting provided unique insights that greatly benefited someone like me, accustomed to the more formulaic style of academic presentations. I truly believe her guidance has enhanced my ability to effectively present in front of decision-makers.

One secret to Success:

It’s natural for successful people to enter an EMBA program feeling they know everything. That said, the decision to pursue it should be an acknowledgment that you don’t. I would encourage all to fully immerse themselves in the EMBA experience (this is true for anything), be aware of your limitations, and strive to elevate yourself to the next level.

What is your biggest regret?

I spent too much time worrying about others’ opinions and trying to follow conventional paths. The temptation is very real in traditional, academic medicine. Embrace your uniqueness and blaze your own trail. This is how we create fulfilling lives and inspire others.

What is the next thing you’re going to do on your bucket list?

I enrolled in the EMBA to prepare for the next step in my career. I’m thrilled to share that, effective December 1, I will become the Department Chair of Urology at the University of Pittsburgh. While I’m sad to leave Boston after over 11 years, I’m very excited about the new challenges ahead.

On a personal level, I’m focused on traveling as much as possible with my kids before they grow older and become more independent. We just returned from a trip to Scotland and are now considering Japan or Vietnam for our next destination.