Why Solving Healthcare Problems Demands a Multidisciplinary Approach: Lessons from Pursuing Six Degrees

In today’s complex world, innovative solutions to healthcare problems come from those who can see the big picture. Learning from the humanities, science, engineering, business, AI, and policy has given me a unique, holistic view—one increasingly necessary to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

From completing double Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Literature at MIT to an MS in Systems Engineering and an MBA at MIT Sloan’s LGO program, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard Kennedy School, and now a Doctor of Engineering in AI and ML at George Washington University (GWU), my academic journey has been anything but linear. However, each discipline has built on the others, creating a multidimensional perspective essential for tackling the complex challenges in healthcare today. This path has armed me with a toolkit of insights and strategies that enable a holistic approach to problem-solving.

The Power of Diverse Learning: More Than Just Degrees

Healthcare problems require more than technical expertise or business savvy—they demand a blend of knowledge from multiple fields. This broad perspective allows for creative problem-solving and the capacity to navigate a landscape that is as much about people and ethics as it is about technology and data.

My academic journey has shaped me into a problem-solver who understands healthcare's complexities through the lenses of human experience, policy frameworks, market dynamics, and cutting-edge technology. Here’s how each degree has contributed to this holistic perspective and its practical impact on my career.

1. Double BS in Chemistry and Literature at MIT: Merging Science with Empathy

MIT is renowned for scientific research and technological advancement. My studies in Chemistry provided a solid scientific foundation, teaching me analytical problem-solving. Meanwhile, my degree in Literature enriched my understanding of human narratives, emotions, and cultural nuances—an essential combination in healthcare.

For example, in drug development, my chemistry background helped me understand the molecular basis of treatments, while literature studies reminded me to consider the patient's experience. It’s not just about developing a drug; it's about understanding how patients perceive their treatments. This approach shaped my professional ethos: science and empathy must work together to create meaningful healthcare solutions.

2. MS in Systems Engineering and MBA at MIT Sloan (LGO): Engineering Meets Business Strategy

The Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program at MIT Sloan integrates systems thinking with business management. Systems engineering provided me the tools to view healthcare as a complex system, while the MBA honed my strategic thinking and business acumen. Healthcare innovation often fails due to poor market execution, not scientific shortcomings. Therefore, business strategy became vital in projects focused on drug access, supply chains, and logistics.

For instance, while leading a drug distribution optimization project, my engineering mindset streamlined the supply chain, and my MBA skills aligned the strategy with market demands. This flexibility has since become my biggest asset in healthcare innovation.

3. MPA at Harvard Kennedy School: Navigating Policy and Ethical Complexities

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Harvard Kennedy School focuses on leadership, policy-making, and public service. I learned how policy shapes healthcare outcomes and why ethical considerations are critical in decision-making. My MPA training became invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare regulation and advocating for patient-centric policies.

The shift from quantitative analysis to navigating abstract policy debates helped me appreciate the social impact of healthcare and the need for equitable solutions.

4. Doctor of Engineering in AI & ML at GWU: The Future of Healthcare Innovation

Currently, as I pursue a Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at The George Washington University, I am exploring how AI can revolutionize healthcare. AI holds the promise of transforming facets of healthcare—from drug discovery to personalized patient care. However, successful AI implementation requires not just technical expertise but also insights into science, ethics, market dynamics, and policy—all lessons from my previous educational experiences.

For example, while researching AI applications in healthcare supply chains, my systems engineering background optimizes complex logistics, and my MPA training guides me in navigating regulatory frameworks for AI-driven solutions.

Why Healthcare Needs This Multidisciplinary Perspective

The real magic happens at the intersection of disciplines. Improving drug access isn’t just about developing a new formula (science); it's about optimizing supply chains (engineering), navigating regulations (policy), ensuring market feasibility (business), and addressing patient experiences (humanities).

1. Innovation Through Integration: Each field—humanities, science, engineering, business, AI, and policy—offers a unique approach to problem-solving. Their combination drives true innovation in healthcare.
2. Policy Shaping Technology: Understanding policy is crucial in deploying AI in healthcare. AI can revolutionize patient care, but without navigating regulations, data privacy laws, and ethical considerations, its implementation can stall.
3. Human-Centric Solutions: My experience in the humanities taught me to view patients not just as data points but as individuals with unique stories. A multidisciplinary perspective ensures that technological advancements serve actual human needs.

Conclusion: Holistic Thinkers Will Transform Healthcare

Pursuing six degrees has provided a rich toolkit, allowing me to integrate scientific knowledge, systems thinking, business strategy, policy understanding, and AI expertise into comprehensive solutions. While this breadth required balancing speed and depth, it has enabled me to see the big picture and approach problems strategically.

In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, impactful solutions will come from those who navigate multiple disciplines. The ability to synthesize knowledge across fields is what will separate successful innovations from failures. The future of healthcare demands leaders who can think beyond boundaries, ensure technology serves humanity, and turn policy into action. This is why a multidisciplinary education is not just valuable—it’s transformative.