Lila Wilson, MHCDS

I work as a Senior Director for Blue Shield of California on business strategy for the company’s flagship products.  In that role, I support cross-functional teams to drive profitable membership growth and member experience.  When not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my high school aged daughter, volunteering with a nonprofit that provides food and services to underserved families in my community, hiking, cooking, beach, and travel.

Why did you decide to take the MHCDS program over other programs like an MBA? 

When I made the decision to go back to school, I wanted to attend a top rated program with accomplished faculty.   I believe I have acquired many of the skills that are taught in a traditional MBA program through my years of work experience in management and the health insurance industry, so I was looking for something more.  Of all the graduate programs I researched, Dartmouth MHCDS has the best combination of strategy, leadership, innovation, population health, health economics and finance, and health care management.  MHCDS is designed for mid-career students from diverse health care backgrounds with expertise in their respective fields.  This provides great opportunities for me to learn from my colleagues, as well as the faculty.    

What are the best parts of the program for you, so far? 

The faculty are amazing, and I have learned much that I am able to immediately take back to my work, including honing my management and leadership skills.  Human centered innovation was especially helpful in learning how to solve the right problem and design thinking.  The in-person residentials helped me to forge friendships that I will foster long after graduation.

What would you tell a friend or colleague who may be interested in the MHCDS program? 

For students looking for a health care centered graduate program with top notch faculty and accomplished, diverse, passionate students, this program would be a good fit.