Nicholas Orlando, Johns Hopkins Carey MBA/MD Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Templeton, CA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Johns Hopkins University, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: N/A. After undergrad, I completed a Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology (Hopkins) and then matriculated into medical school here as well.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After completing my undergraduate degree and three years of medical school, I realized I was approaching a transition—from being the perpetual student to practicing medicine as my career. Throughout all of my training up to that point, I had gained extensive medical knowledge but had learned nothing about business, finance, or management. While I had always planned to pursue an MBA after medical school to develop these essential skills (to eventually involve myself in healthcare leadership), my original timeline had me matriculating into an MBA program after completing residency as an attending physician. When I discovered that Carey offered a dual degree program in partnership with the School of Medicine, it presented an opportunity that was simply too valuable to pass up.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Carey Business School? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Several factors made Johns Hopkins Carey the ideal choice for my MBA. The STEM MBA designation provided both analytical rigor and practical benefits, such as allowing me to pursue electives in health administration and health policy—directly aligning my business education with my healthcare leadership aspirations. Carey also offers entrepreneurial courses in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, which were also particularly compelling. Additionally, Carey’s generous funding for MD/MBA students made the dual degree financially viable, eliminating the debt burden that would have affected me if I delayed this opportunity. The convergence of relevant specializations, financial support, and strategic timing made Carey the optimal choice for my unique situation and career trajectory. Ultimately, Carey offered everything I needed at exactly the right time in my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
Funnily enough, my medical background is not a differentiator in the Class of 2027. My cohort is filled with a brilliant group of individuals from many fields and prior professions (including numerous physicians). I believe that one valuable aspect I bring to the Class of 2027 is my prior research experience. I have extensive experience from idea conception to institutional approval to project completion. So many of my classmates have brilliant ideas that they want to bring to healthcare, and I think my medical research background could be helpful in that regard.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I used to enjoy blacksmithing as one of my past hobbies. I picked it up in high school and whenever I am home, I fire up the forge!
Post-MBA career interests:
Radiologist, research in radiology, hospital leadership
What is your initial impression of the Johns Hopkins Carey students/culture/community?
I love the culture and community here at Carey. At Foundations Week, all my classmates were so easy to talk to, and making friends was fast and enjoyable. Additionally, senior leadership at Carey are extremely approachable as they offered their emails to us and invited us to connect with them on LinkedIn. The overall warm and inviting community makes Carey a special place.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I have not yet joined any student organizations, but I hope to get involved with a group that competes in Case Competitions!
What is one thing you have learned about Johns Hopkins Carey that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Carey is how personal it is. On my first day of Foundations Week, professors and organizers came up to me and said, “Hi Nick, how are you?” without me having my name tag on. I was surprised by how everyone knew who I was and how personable and welcoming the start of my MBA was.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am very excited for the Innovation Field Project in Spring II. I spoke to some of the upperclassmen, and it sounds like an incredible hands-on learning experience. Rounding out the first year by working with an actual company, I anticipate will be an experience that I will never forget.
