Tamia Potter, Vanderbilt MBA Class of 2028
Age: 30
Hometown: Tallahassee, Florida
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Florida A&M University
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Current Neurological Surgery Resident
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As a neurosurgery resident you not only have the privilege to care for patients but also understand the financial implications of medical decisions with a healthcare system. I decided I wanted to broaden my approach to patient care with a new framework involving the intersection between cost equity and patient care. The best course of action was to obtain a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare.
Fortunately, I am a resident in Vanderbilt’s Neurological Surgery Program, which has afforded me the opportunity to pursue higher education as an adjunct to my training. These types of opportunities are normally undertaken between the 4th and 7th years of residency.
Why did you choose Vanderbilt Business? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose to attend Vanderbilt Business due to the personable nature of the students, faculty, and teaching environment. Vanderbilt Business offers numerous opportunities for students to be exposed to large names in major financial sectors. Vanderbilt also has an extensive network of healthcare collaborators which complement my healthcare focus.
Diversity of career options, overall culture, and healthcare focused opportunities were my main deciding factors when choosing a business school. Vanderbilt Business encompasses these factors along with endless avenues for students to take to pursue their interests.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
Having a niche surgical background that comprises the majority of operational revenue in hospital systems, I believe is very valuable. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with patients from admission to follow up and understand how policy, medical decision making, and insurance influence the economy of the healthcare system.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I was a pageant queen and won Miss Wakulla County in 2014.
Post-MBA career interests:
Assisting with health care policy in major health care insurance networks, real estate private equity investor, surgical operations and systems processing in health care networks
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would take the opportunity to reach out to a recruiter. Jalen Brown was my recruiter at Vanderbilt Business and made the application process straight forward and smooth. He also provided valuable information on scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and organizational involvement.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I had to change one thing I would have made a chart describing objective items that I want in an MBA program and use that as factor in my decision making.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Some of the career fairs and job opportunities were not in line with my current training and career goals and I did not find this as beneficial as other parts of the application process. I took the time to learn about other non-medical career options.
What is your initial impression of the Vanderbilt Business students/culture/community?My first interactions with Vanderbilt Business felt warm, welcoming, and full of opportunity. I have completed my first module, and the culture has remained the same; I am fortunate to contribute to the positive environment. My classmates come from diverse social and workforce backgrounds that reflect Vanderbilt’s distinct culture. The community offers endless perspectives and opportunities to improve yourself across all facets of business, entrepreneurship, and management. As a student with no business or finance background I was readily accepted by the Vanderbilt Business community and did not feel singled out.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
Women Business Association; Owen Christian Business Association; Black Student Business Association.
I am hoping to join the Vanderbilt Business Health Association to increase my exposure to the business and economics of VUMC.
What is one thing you have learned about Vanderbilt Business that has surprised you?
The flexibility of the program was one of the largest advantages of the program compared to other schools. You have the resources to build your own pathway and guide your learning with full faculty support.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to open my mind to a nonmedical framework of thinking. It will be interesting to challenge myself to think outside of this box and become comfortable with finance, business, and economics and figure out how these relate to healthcare.
