Benny Axt, MBA

My classmates are executives in a variety of organizations which span care delivery, regulation, insurance, and other industries. Our weekly discussions feel like a healthcare think tank with diverse and cutting-edge perspectives being surfaced from a variety of leading thinkers across the healthcare arena.

I have been fortunate to work in healthcare systems on 6 continents, with organizations of various sizes (pre-seed to Fortune 500). Prior to business school, I was a management consultant. After an MBA, I spent several years in the Middle East with DaVita, playing a role in the privatization of healthcare services in Saudi Arabia. I subsequently supported DaVita’s strategy, operations, and M&A across multiple continents and business units. Dialogue Health Technologies Inc. then moved my family to Canada. It was dynamic to help the start-up progress from Series B venture financing through IPO and privatization. I was the head of strategy, corporate development, innovation and Chief of Staff to the CEO. I currently serve as an advisor to several early-stage digital health companies. 

As the proud father of 6-year-old twins, my son and daughter bring immense joy to my life. Nearly 20 years ago, I earned my PADI scuba divemaster certification and led whale shark expeditions as an ocean safari guide. Scuba diving remains one of my greatest passions.

Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program?

I sought to gain additional insight into the US healthcare market to support international companies with their expansion into the US. I was interested in the program’s emphasis on personal development and the coaching provided by the faculty. Most importantly, my educational experience would be amplified by a diverse and experienced community of healthcare leaders.

Why did you choose MHCDS over another type of master’s program (e.g., MBA, MPH, MHA)?

The MHCDS program struck me as the ideal blend between an MBA and an MHA. Having previously earned an MBA, I sought a program built on a balanced foundation of quantitative and economic principles as well healthcare related courses and case studies. Having researched several programs in the US and abroad, it became clear that the MHCDS program offered the most robust and interesting core curriculum. Other motivating factors included the alumni network, the hybrid nature of course delivery, and the yearlong Action Learning Project.

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

The best part of the program are the people in my cohort. I believe that the faculty learn as much from the students as the students learn from the professors. My classmates are executives in a variety of organizations which span care delivery, regulation, insurance, and other industries. Our weekly discussions feel like a healthcare think tank with diverse and cutting-edge perspectives being surfaced from a variety of leading thinkers across the healthcare arena. The program management team also does an incredible job of fostering culture among the cohort during our in-person residentials in Hanover.

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

I think that the Action Learning Project (ALP) has tied together concepts from nearly all the courses. I have the privilege to lead an incredible team of 6 classmates to support an organization to develop a 12-bed hospital in The Gambia and a medical education training program. We have used concepts from Dr. Alva Taylor’s Human-Centered Innovation to develop models of care, we’ve leveraged ecosystem strategy from Dr. Ron Adner to identify risks and dependencies, and we’ve utilized models from Health Economics as well as Accounting and Finance Essentials to develop a sustainable business plan.

The ALP has provided me with a learning laboratory to put many of the concepts that have been taught at MHCDS to work in a live environment.

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

The MHCDS program has been one of the best decisions that I've made in the past decade. The coursework, faculty members, and classes are invigorating! It’s a blessing to be included in this life-changing program.