Ahmed Shawky is committed to driving innovation in health care. As director of Sidra Medical and Research Center in Qatar, he leads an ultra-modern, all-digital facility that is setting new standards for patient care in the state of Qatar. To stay at the forefront of his industry, Shawky chose the Managing Health Care Delivery program at Harvard Business School Executive Education. He describes his experience.
Why did you decide to attend this program?
In 2016, I moved from PwC to Sidra Medical and Research Center. I felt driven to find the best health care leadership program to support this transition. Managing Health Care Delivery was the only program I found with a well-structured curriculum, mix of clinical and non-clinical participants, and interactive learning environment. I also liked that it covered key challenges in health care and was taught by renowned faculty.
What do you feel were the biggest takeaways?
I learned that most of the challenges we face in the medical center are similar to those faced by other health care systems and organizations. The case studies provided a good reference for how to address my current challenges and elicit more innovative solutions. My interactions with the amazing faculty, executives, and health care professionals, who came from all over the world, allowed me to develop great connections. We had a truly unique experience on campus, and we made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
How do you plan to implement what you've learned in your organization?
The program gave me new ideas and solutions to bring to our medical center. I developed new capabilities to maximize the efficiency of our processes, enhance our internal control systems, and raise the standards for health and health care in Qatar. In fact, the senior management team and board of governors noticed these changes while I was still in the program and promoted me to a more senior position.
What did you enjoy most about the on-campus experience?
I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive discussions that the case studies elicited. I also loved the vibe on the Boston campus. It really sharpens your focus and inspires innovation!
How did your living group contribute to the experience?
My living group enabled discussions that were less formal and more open. That helped all of us better prepare for classroom discussions and hear other perspectives on the cases. Rotating the living groups during each module also helped us to connect with new participants.
Could you describe the value of the program to someone considering it?
The program offers an invaluable opportunity to have in-person interactions with renowned health care professionals and faculty. The knowledge and connections I gained from the program boosted my confidence. As a result of this experience, I'm able to make a real difference in our health care system and create a better experience for our patients.