Mali Schneiter, Carey MBA Class of 2022
Age: 32
Hometown: Waupaca, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Institution and Major: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. Major Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology Fellow, Kelly Gynecology Oncology Service; 4 years at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Baltimore, MD,
Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident; 4 years Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Des Moines, IA
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Medical Degree (DO), May 2015.
Why business school? Why now? Why JHU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a gynecologic oncology fellow, we have a year dedicated to research of our choosing. I have always been interested in how I can make care better for not only the patient in front of me but for all patients within our communities and our country. Because of this passion, I have been involved with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and have held several leadership positions within this organization. Between my clinical experiences and my organized medicine experiences, I realized there was an opportunity for physician leaders who could bring a clinical background and business acumen to improve patient care and our health care industry. Johns Hopkins is very supportive of innovative ideas and training, and therefore, when Carey created this opportunity for clinical residents and fellows to pursue a full-time MBA during dedicated research time, I knew it was the right step for me. JHU Carey is health care focused and has an incredible amount of thought leaders and experts within the health care field, making it a great business school match for my interests.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
My classmates are incredible and each has so many experiences and valuable insights to share. I think as a physician I can provide a practical context to some of our conversations and start to bridge that gap between the business side of health care and the clinical side of health care.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m from small-town Wisconsin and my husband is Egyptian but was born and raised in Alabama. I have a smaller family and my husband is one of six siblings (including his twin!). We have a “fur baby” named Tuey, we have an 18-month-old daughter and we have one baby on the way. With all of that being said, our household is a fun mix of cultures, lifestyles, and experiences that make every day an exciting adventure!
Post-MBA career interests?
I would love to be in a position where I could innovate the way we deliver care to patients to make it more patient-friendly, provider-friendly, and more effective. There are so many great ideas and pilots that have been started and many opportunities for someone like myself to bring both experiences to be able to make these early pilots work. I always want to be practicing clinical medicine and operating as patient care is truly my passion, but if I could also combine clinical care and an administrative role in order to impact how these patients receive care, that would be ideal for me!
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I sought letters of recommendation from people who knew me personally, clinically, and knew me as a leader within organized medicine. I think this helped shape my interests well and spoke to the things I could offer as an applicant given my experience. I also met with Carey administration as well as my clinical administration to have in-depth conversations about the logistics of pursuing this degree during my clinical training which was very helpful.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would’ve decided sooner to apply!
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I honestly can’t think of a part I would have skipped, I thought the application process was very straightforward, my interview was very informative (even in the midst of the pandemic and my interview being virtual) and Care was very respectful of student’s time.
What is your initial impression of JHU Carey’s students/culture/community?
Carey’s culture is very welcoming, open, and innovative. From the start, the faculty have been incredibly helpful, supportive, and flexible. They truly want you to get the most out of your experience at Carey and want you to succeed. My classmates are not only impressive people, but they are phenomenal humans who are great listeners, are engaged, and are invested in the entire class succeeding as well. Even in the midst of a pandemic, we have tried to get to know each other and support each other which is really special to see.
One thing you have learned about JHU Carey that has surprised you?
I’m continually impressed by the experiences and expertise of the faculty and my classmates. We are learning from people who are experts in their field and are not only teaching us but teaching policymakers and thought innovators about how to improve health care, business, and leadership.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I have mostly been in clinical work for the past 5 years, so going back to a school schedule and having “homework” is always a little intimidating!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m really excited to open up and learn about things that are so unfamiliar to me in business and finances. I’m also so excited to learn and reflect on how to be an effective leader and communicator, which is so important but is often sometimes physicians don’t have time or space to do.
