Raymond Chan

INSEAD

“Doctor. Dreamer. History nerd. Let’s banter politics, philosophy and economics over red wine.”

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Fun Fact About Yourself: I started a test prep venture in med school to help students succeed. I thought I’d change the world. I mostly changed printer ink and answered emails from stressed-out uni students at 1 a.m. Still totally worth it.

Undergraduate School and Major: Doctor of Medicine (University of Melbourne)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Doctor (Psychiatry Registrar), Monash Health

INSEAD is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How do you see these global perspectives enhancing the value of your business education over the next year? I believe real paradigm shifts, both intellectually and personally, happen when we exchange ideas with people vastly different from ourselves. There is little growth in only speaking to versions of ourselves. INSEAD offers something truly rare: a cohort of incredibly diverse, high-achieving individuals from every corner of the world, all brought together in one place. They’re not just here to learn, but to challenge, inspire, and transform one another.

Very rarely in life do you have the chance to sit across from someone who has scaled a startup in Nairobi, navigated political risk in Latin America, or led a team in the French military – all in the same classroom. At INSEAD, the education doesn’t just happen in classrooms. It happens over coffees, in group projects, late-night debates, and on walks through Fontainebleau or Singapore. That’s what makes this experience truly life-changing. It is not just the learning but the people you learn with.

Why did you choose a one-year program over a two-year program? How do you see an INSEAD MBA giving you an advantage in the marketplace? Time is our most valuable asset. Coming from clinical medicine, I value focus, intensity, and efficiency. I didn’t want to step away from healthcare for two full years. A one-year MBA offers clarity and momentum without stalling professional growth. INSEAD’s world-class reputation, global alumni network, and international perspective make it the smartest choice for this stage of my life.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of INSEAD’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? INSEAD’s global alumni network was a key factor in my decision. With over 68,000 alumni across 170 countries, the reach and accessibility of this community is unmatched. As someone transitioning from medicine into business, I wanted to learn from people who’ve taken unconventional paths and now lead across industries and borders. The openness and generosity of INSEAD alumni made it clear this was more than a network. It’s a lifelong community.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at INSEAD? I’m especially excited about the Healthcare Club and Entrepreneurship Club. The Healthcare Club will help me explore how healthcare systems and innovation differ across regions. The Entrepreneurship Club offers a hands-on community to test ideas, learn from founders, and connect with peers who share a builder’s mindset. Together, they reflect my passion for solving meaningful problems at the intersection of healthcare and business.

What has been your first impression of the INSEAD MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best INSEAD story so far. My first impression of INSEAD students and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. While researching the program, I reached out to several alumni across industries and continents and was struck by how responsive, generous, and honest they were. Every conversation felt sincere and thoughtful. That same openness continued locally, where I connected with incoming classmates prior to the start of the program. Whether over coffee or casual meetups, everyone brings warmth, humility, and curiosity. The sense of community, even before the program begins, is what makes INSEAD feel truly special.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment was leading the emergency department in a rural Australian hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a shortage of doctors across rural areas, I often served as the most senior clinician on overnight shifts. I was responsible for managing critically ill patients and life-saving interventions while guiding a team of junior doctors and international nurses new to the Australian system. Despite the pressure and limited support, I learned to stay calm, make clear decisions, and lead by example. It was a defining experience that showed me the weight and value of leadership in times of crisis.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After graduation, I hope to build a strong foundation in business and gain exposure to a wide range of industries and perspectives. My career so far has been focused on progressing through clinical medicine, but I’m excited to explore opportunities beyond the hospital walls. I believe INSEAD will equip me with the tools and confidence to navigate the business world, and I’m open to where that journey leads. In the long term, I see myself contributing in an entrepreneurial capacity, applying what I’ve learned to create meaningful impact — while remaining open to paths I may not have considered yet.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into INSEAD’s MBA program? You’ll never feel completely ready or “good enough”, and that’s normal. If INSEAD speaks to something in you, apply anyway. Growth often starts before confidence arrives. Shoot, then aim. You might surprise yourself.

DON’T MISS: MEET INSEAD’S MBA CLASS OF 2026

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