Emma Ye, Vanderbilt Owen MD/MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Undergraduate Institution and Major: UC Berkeley; Integrative Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Co-founder, tech/energy, graphene battery startup: 3 years; Advisor, Gene therapy, healthcare startup: 3 years; Medical Student, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine: Ongoing
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Pursuing an MBA now is a strategic decision rooted in my dual commitment to clinical excellence and healthcare innovation and management. As a fourth-year medical student I’ve seen how systemic inefficiencies, lack of scalable solutions, and limited cross-sector communication hinder both patient care and innovation. I want to be part of the generation of physician-leaders who not only treat disease but also redesign how healthcare is delivered.
My experience in a battery technology startup showed me the impact of combining technical innovation with strategic execution and sparked my interest in business. Later, through the Medical Innovator Development Program in medical school, I explored the broader healthcare market, from medical devices to healthcare delivery. I knew from the start that I wanted to pair clinical training with the ability to drive change on the business side of healthcare, equipping myself to influence both patient care and the systems that support it.
I firmly believe there is no “perfect time” to start business school; it’s always easy to say, “there will be a better time later on” For me, the best time to explore something new is now; waiting for a supposedly “better time” would likely only mean stepping into an even busier season of life. I’ve spent the past few years deeply immersed in clinical training and I’m ready to formalize those experiences with business tools, from financial modeling and market strategy to operations and organizational leadership, so that I can return to medicine with a broader toolkit and network.
Why did you choose Vanderbilt Owen? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Vanderbilt Owen stood out to me because of its strength in healthcare and the unique opportunity to pursue a combined MD/MBA. The structure allows me to earn both degrees with just one additional year of training, which was a huge factor in my decision. Being in Nashville, a hub for healthcare innovation and policy, also means I can immerse myself in a community where medicine and business intersect every day. Owen’s collaborative culture and small class size further reinforced that this was the right place for me to grow as both a future clinician and entrepreneur.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a unique blend of experiences across entrepreneurship, medicine, and innovation. Co-founding a tech startup taught me how to navigate ambiguity, build effective teams, and transform ideas from concept to market. As a medical student, I’ve seen firsthand how business decisions directly shape patient care and healthcare delivery. This dual perspective enables me to bridge clinical insight with entrepreneurial execution, and I hope to spark conversations about building creative, sustainable solutions in healthcare and beyond.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m a certified freediver and once dived 40 feet deep alongside a pod of whales in Mauritius with no oxygen tank. It was an unforgettable experience, though I came close to rupturing my eardrum!
Post-MBA career interests:
My immediate plan is to pursue neurosurgery residency training while carrying forward the business skills I gain at Owen. During my time at Owen, I hope to embark on an entrepreneurial venture in healthcare delivery, and once residency begins, I anticipate shifting into an advisory role. Long term, my goal is to merge my clinical expertise with my entrepreneurial background to lead innovations in medical technology and healthcare delivery, developing new devices, platforms, and care models that address unmet patient needs and expand access to care.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely reach out to current students and alumni early in the process. Those conversations gave me an authentic feel for Owen’s culture and helped me see how I could fit into the community. Hearing real experiences made the application feel less abstract and gave me stories I could reflect on in my essays and interviews.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have planned my GMAT prep earlier and more strategically. Instead, I crammed in just 1.5 weeks, which luckily worked out well but definitely created unnecessary stress and made for a miserable stretch. Starting earlier would have made balancing test prep with school, work and other commitments much more manageable.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped any part, it would be the standardized test. With very limited time to prepare, it felt more like a hurdle than a true reflection of my strengths. What helped me push through was creating a structured study plan and sticking to it religiously. Fortunately, Owen is also generous in granting GMAT waivers for applicants with significant work experience, which eases the process for many candidates.
What is your initial impression of the Vanderbilt Owen students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that the Owen community is incredibly supportive and collaborative. Students are ambitious, but also genuinely willing to work with one another and celebrate each other’s successes. It feels like a culture where everyone is invested in lifting the whole class, competitive in the best sense but never cut-throat.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m planning to get involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Vanderbilt Business Healthcare Association. The Center for Entrepreneurship will allow me to continue exploring venture creation and innovation, while the Healthcare Association connects directly with my long-term goal of bridging business and medicine. Both organizations give me opportunities to build skills, expand my network, and collaborate with peers who share similar passions.
What is one thing you have learned about Vanderbilt Owen that has surprised you?
I knew Owen had strong healthcare ties, but I’ve been surprised at how integrated Vanderbilt’s medical, business, and innovation ecosystems are. The ease of connecting across the med school, Wond’ry, and Owen opens doors I hadn’t realized would be so accessible.”
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to step outside my comfort zone and develop skills I haven’t had the chance to focus on in medical school, especially leadership, negotiation, and strategy, while also looking at healthcare from a different perspective. I see this year as an opportunity to grow in ways that will complement my clinical training and prepare me to bridge medicine and business more effectively.
