Danna Ghafir, Rice Business MBA Class of 2024
Age: 26
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rice University, Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years of Medical School
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
It is not uncommon for medical students to pursue an additional degree during their time in medical school. As an undergraduate applying to medical school, I had every intention of pursuing an MBA to supplement my medical education and prepare myself for a career addressing systemic issues in healthcare. It is well-known that so much of what determines patient outcomes can be attributed to socioeconomic factors influencing health and wellness beyond the four clinic walls. Moreover, the U.S. spends astronomically more on healthcare in comparison to other resource-rich countries while quality and affordable healthcare remains inaccessible to so many Americans. I wanted to dive deeper into these issues and study the intersection of business and healthcare so that my post-graduate career in medicine could center a solutions-oriented approach to change at a higher systems level.
Why did you choose Rice Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I completed my bachelor’s degree at Rice University and began medical school across the street in the Texas Medical Center. My time as a Rice undergraduate was filled with captivating conversations with classmates and professors about some of the world’s most pressing issues: climate change, armed crises abroad, access to healthcare, and so much more. My mind was always at work, gathering information from brilliant peers and mentors. I chose Rice Business primarily to surround myself with progressive thought leaders and experts. It is an absolute privilege to study under the world class faculty at Rice Business. Further, so many professors at Rice Business have experience conducting research and consulting in the healthcare industry, given Rice’s proximity to the largest medical center in the world. Some professors have even worked with physicians at the hospitals in which I’ve completed some of my medical training. This overlap was appealing to me, as I hope to learn how to give back to my community in Houston as a leader in healthcare systems reform.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Having experience in patient care is an asset because it has allowed me to study the downstream effects of policies implemented by executives. My background in medicine is also intertwined with my value of and commitment to humanism. This human-centered focus underlies my investment in social responsibility in business. I believe that I contribute to discussion in class by continually emphasizing the indispensable nature of ethics and social justice as key priorities for any successful business.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In my time as an undergraduate at Rice University, I used to perform in a rock band with some classmates around campus and Houston. Music has played a central role in influencing my perspective on life and humanity. I have fond memories of those performances, making music with my best friends and singing the songs I poured my heart and soul into composing.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I really appreciated the opportunity to record a video of myself in place of submitting an essay to describe my reasons for pursuing an MBA and why Rice was the right place for me. If you have the option to take a more creative approach to your application, choose that option.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I could repeat my application process, I would have approached my interview with more confidence. It isn’t difficult to become your own worst critic. Sometimes, that voice can get in the way of your ability to approach nerve-wracking situations, like interviews, with a clear mind. To demonstrate your value to others, you have to first truly believe that you have value.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If there was one part of the application I would have skipped, it would have been the timed, virtual assessment. It can be quite difficult to recall specific stories to answer questions on the spot while watching a clock countdown the time you have left to speak. I relied on reviewing common questions typically asked during these virtual assessments and gave myself some time to think through potential responses beforehand.
What is your initial impression of the Rice Business students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Rice Business is that diversity is a highly-valued component of the culture and community. As a non-traditional applicant, I was worried that I would be one of the few matriculating students without a background in finance, economics or other business-related fields. As I met more and more of my classmates, I realized that most of the class has a diverse set of life experiences and industry backgrounds. It’s already become clear that Rice’s celebration of diversity is what enriches the learning experience for all students.
What is one thing you have learned about Rice Business that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the level of detail and coordination that goes into the services and community-building opportunities available to students at Rice Business. Student organization events are all streamlined and coordinated on a single platform. Every office dedicated to supporting students in different aspects of their time at Rice has a user-friendly website with accessible ways to get involved or engage with their resources. These features make the onboarding process seamless, and it’s clear that so much high-quality time and effort goes into ensuring these resources are top-notch and available to enhance the student experience.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was anxious about adapting to a new language of business. I had practically no exposure to business-specific subjects when I was an undergraduate student, and I’ve spent the last three years of my life fully immersed in the world of medicine. I was confident in my ability to adapt to new environments and embrace change, but I was still nervous about the stark shift in learning formats, study methods, and scope. I’m always up for a challenge, and I’ve been reframing that anxiety as excitement and enthusiasm.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Too many things to name just one! Getting to know and learning from my classmates with a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Learning from my professors about society’s most pressing issues related to healthcare economics, the climate crisis, and DEI initiatives in the corporate setting. Last but not least, joining the student Golf Club!
