Arif Mohammed, DNP, MBA, MSN

If you are considering this program, there is most likely a feeling of wanting more for yourself and the system in which you work. The MHCDS program will give you an upgraded toolkit just as it has for me, my classmates, and its graduates. If your goal is to work with others to improve healthcare delivery, there is no other program that compares to what Dartmouth has to offer.

My name is Arif Mohammed, and my career in healthcare began 18 years ago as a critical care nurse. The rapid pace, critical thinking, collaboration, and the immediacy of results that is inherent to critical care, started me along the path to my next career move. I have practiced as a Nurse Anesthetist for the last 12 years in various healthcare settings. I am also an Assistant Professor of Nursing within a Nurse Anesthesia program in New York. I am fortunate for the rich clinical experiences throughout my career but felt there was more to learn that I could not get within the walls of the hospital. I completed my doctoral degree in nursing along with my MBA which has helped me in my current leadership role as Chief Nurse Anesthetist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

I also enjoy traveling, watching movies, trying as many types of food as possible, and racing my car at various tracks on the east coast.

Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program?

I chose the MHCDS degree because it provides the necessary tools for me to achieve personal and professional goals. The innovative blended structure of the program offers exactly what is needed for graduates to improve healthcare delivery while focusing on access, quality, and cost. This, coupled with the reputation of Dartmouth, the MHCDS program, faculty, and alumni, guided my decision.

The scope and quality of the content that is delivered is unmatched. Additionally, the program mission is steadfastly aligned with the goal of improving healthcare delivery. I cannot say that of any other program I considered prior to enrolling at Dartmouth. Another factor was the track record of the graduates. Seeing the work that is being done reinforced the quality and vision of the program.

What has been the best part of the program for you – so far? 

Hands down, the on-campus residential periods have been incredible. The camaraderie that exists within my cohort is unlike anything I have experienced in my other degree programs. I have learned not only from the world-class faculty, but from my extremely accomplished classmates. There is a palpable excitement when we are on campus as we discuss what we have accomplished since starting the program and anticipating what will be accomplished after graduation.

Has your job changed since starting the program?

I recently accepted the position of Chief Nurse Anesthetist for my organization’s newest site. I chose this role as it presents an opportunity to gain significant operational experience. 

This step in my career was facilitated by the experience, knowledge, and confidence gained during my time in the MHCDS program. Content gained in the classroom can be immediately put to use in our respective healthcare related jobs. Showcasing my learning thus far has played a significant role in being offered this new position.

How have you used the MHCDS experience/skills/knowledge you have gained so far?

I believe that before we can drive meaningful changes in healthcare, there must be meaningful change within individuals. I have already started sharing my MHCDS skillset with my anesthesia and leadership colleagues. Buy-in and support that is gained via networking and information sharing is extremely important for change that moves the needle.

Is there anything else that you would tell a friend or colleague who was considering the MHCDS program? 

If you are considering this program, there is most likely a feeling of wanting more for yourself and the system in which you work. The MHCDS program will give you an upgraded toolkit just as it has for me, my classmates, and its graduates. If your goal is to work with others to improve healthcare delivery, there is no other program that compares to what Dartmouth has to offer.