From Scrubs to Suits: Dr. Sherna Sherief on Her MBA Journey (Part I)

Dr. Sherna Sherief: I am a bit of a mixed bag, born and brought up in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. I kicked off my professional journey with a degree in Dentistry from the Dental wing of Madras Medical College. After sinking my teeth into the world of healthcare, I began on a quest to blend my passion for healthcare with the strategic prowess of consulting all while sculpting a path towards entrepreneurship. Thus presently pursuing an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode. But, now my Internship at the Reserve Bank of India has drawn me towards the complexities of Finance. And now I am hooked there.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: My decision to pursue an MBA after a career in dentistry was inspired by a few key factors. Firstly, I realized that climbing the ladder in terms of power and financial stability was important to me, and an MBA seemed like a natural step in that direction. Additionally, I always felt that my skill set leaned more towards management rather than purely clinical work. While I valued my time in dentistry and the ability to directly impact patients' lives, I saw an opportunity to make a broader impact by managing healthcare systems and organizations.

The decision-making process was a blend of pragmatism and introspection. I carefully assessed my career goals, recognizing that an MBA would align more closely with my aspirations for professional growth and influence. It wasn't a decision made overnight; rather, it was the result of years of reflection and observation of both my own strengths and the opportunities in the business world. In terms of preparation, I am someone who first jumps and then sees a way out. So there were not many hard preparations. I already felt I had all the soft skills in my pocket. I believed rather than scaling up myself, I should move faster, which was a mixed blessing in fact.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: Definitely! Pursuing an MBA after a career in dentistry, or any other field for that matter, offers a wide array of opportunities. One of the beautiful aspects of an MBA program is that it typically doesn't have strict prerequisites in terms of academic background. Whether you're a dental professional or come from a completely different field, what matters most is your attitude toward personal and professional growth. However, it's important to note that while there aren't strict academic prerequisites, having a strong undergraduate academic record can certainly enhance your chances of admission, especially in competitive programs.

As for work experience, while it may not always be mandatory, it can significantly bolster your application, demonstrating your practical skills and readiness for leadership roles in the business world. Also, the mandates and requirements vary from college to college.

When it comes to navigating the application process, there are numerous resources available to help you along the way. Understanding the different variants of MBA programs is crucial. For instance, PGP-Finance and PGP-Liberal Studies Management are the additional courses offered by IIM-K, so there are many such variants but I would personally suggest the medicos out there go for general management or healthcare management.

In terms of entrance exams, each program may have its own set of requirements. In India, exams like CAT, GMAT, XAT, TISS, and NMAT are commonly accepted by various MBA programs. Doing well in these exams can significantly boost your chances of admission to top-tier schools. For me, I used to delve into online resources, such as forums, websites, and blogs dedicated to MBA admissions, and took in every little crumbs I could get.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: I have 37 months of clinical experience which also includes my 6 months of working as a frontline worker for the COVID Brigade. Prior to embarking on my MBA journey, I accrued diverse clinical work experiences in dentistry. At a private dental clinic, I held roles as an Associate Dentist and General Dental Surgeon, overseeing teams, managing clinic inventory, and conducting patient treatments and education sessions. Notably, I played a pivotal role in increasing clinic revenue, reducing material wastage, and persuading tobacco consumers to quit through counseling efforts. Additionally, my stint as a COVID Medical Officer at General Hospital involved logging patient records, managing medical teams, and optimizing patient admissions and experiences during the pandemic.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: I believe in something called 'Knowledge Yield' (You might not be aware because I cooked it up right now) which implies whatever pieces of knowledge that you gain at one part of your life will help you at some other parts of your life. Indeed, the skills and knowledge acquired in dentistry, such as understanding ergonomics and optimization procedures, have far-reaching applications beyond the dental field. For instance, the mechanical advantage principles learned in dental school not only enhance the efficiency and longevity of instruments but also translate into broader concepts of optimization and risk management applicable in diverse settings. My background in dentistry equips me with a unique set of skills and knowledge that I believe will greatly benefit me in my MBA studies and future endeavors.

Firstly, my clinical experience has honed my ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams, a skill essential for navigating the collaborative environments often found in MBA programs and business settings. Moreover, my exposure to patient care has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion, qualities that are invaluable in leadership and management roles. Understanding the importance of patient-centric care translates seamlessly into customer-centric strategies in business, ensuring that the needs and concerns of stakeholders are always prioritized.

Additionally, my experience in managing clinic inventory and optimizing operational efficiency has cultivated strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well in analyzing complex business scenarios, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing effective strategies to drive growth and success. Furthermore, my background in dentistry has taught me the importance of attention to detail, precision, and resilience in the face of challenges. These traits are not only crucial for academic success in an MBA program but also for thriving in the fast-paced and dynamic world of business.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: Not much actually. One significant challenge lies in mastering new terminology and concepts specific to business and management. While clinical terminology is familiar, the language of finance, marketing, and strategy may initially seem foreign. However, with dedication and effort, these barriers can be overcome. For me, I adapt slowly, so I actually took time getting into the pace. The challenges vary from person to person and also based on the college you choose.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: Pursuing an MBA has profoundly impacted my perspective on the healthcare industry and its business dynamics. One significant change has been a shift from a predominantly clinical viewpoint to a more holistic understanding of healthcare as an industry. I now see healthcare not only as a means of providing patient care but also as a complex ecosystem with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Through my MBA studies, I've gained insights into the various stakeholders involved in healthcare, including providers, payers, regulators, and consumers. Understanding their perspectives and motivations has deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of healthcare delivery and management.

Moreover, I've developed a keen awareness of the business aspects of healthcare, such as healthcare financing, reimbursement models, and healthcare economics. This understanding has allowed me to grasp the financial implications of healthcare decisions and appreciate the importance of balancing quality of care with cost-effectiveness. Additionally, my MBA experience has exposed me to innovative technologies and strategies shaping the future of healthcare, such as telemedicine, digital health, and value-based care.

I now recognize the transformative potential of these advancements in improving access to care, enhancing patient outcomes, and driving efficiency in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, my exposure to case studies, industry analyses, and guest lectures has broadened my perspective on global healthcare trends and best practices. I've learned to critically evaluate healthcare systems from a business standpoint, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.

Dr. Sherna Sherief: Engaging with professionals from various industries has broadened my horizons and challenged my preconceived notions about career paths and possibilities. Networking has been instrumental in shaping my belief that pursuing a general management track in my MBA program, rather than specializing solely in healthcare management, offers a broader array of opportunities. Interacting with individuals from diverse fields has exposed me to new ideas, approaches, and industries that I may not have considered otherwise. This diversity of thought has enriched my understanding of business dynamics and expanded my potential career trajectory beyond the confines of traditional dental practice.

However, networking wasn't always easy for me. As someone who may not naturally gravitate toward social interactions, I had to step out of my comfort zone and actively engage with my peers. Networking pushed me to shed my inhibitions, hone my communication skills, and develop a greater level of adaptability and openness to new experiences. It's worth noting that while MBA networking provides invaluable peripheral connections and exposes you to a wide range of professionals, it may not always result in deep, lasting friendships. Nonetheless, these connections offer insights, opportunities, and potential collaborations that can significantly impact one's career trajectory.