Maurice Hicks Jr., '26 MD-MBA: Leading Healthcare Innovation

Meet Minnesota Carlson's community and learn about the experiences and career connections we offer.

What was your initial reason or motivation for pursuing an MBA?

My initial motivation for pursuing an MBA was to blend my medical background with strategic leadership to innovate within the healthcare system. As a medical student at the University of Minnesota and the founder of Vertex Medical Solutions, I sought to not only heal patients but also address systemic issues in healthcare through leadership and innovation. 

Why did you choose Minnesota Carlson?

As an MD-MBA student, I wanted a program that was going to help me more deeply understand the medical industry and how to innovate within it. I chose Minnesota Carlson because of its unique learning experiences, access to a broad network of healthcare professionals, and a wealth of resources to support innovation, all of which have been essential for achieving my goal of making a positive impact on the healthcare system.

With Minnesota Carlson's Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI), there was no better choice for my MBA. I have already learned so much through MILI’s network of medical industry alums and the high-quality, informative programs. I’m extremely excited for my MILI classes next semester and what I will gain from them.

What has been your most valuable Minnesota Carlson experience or lesson so far?

My most valuable experience so far was the MILI Valuation Lab trip to Silicon Valley as I got to learn directly from industry experts from Abbott, Medtronic, Kaiser, and other amazing companies, while refining my skill set as a strategic thinker through the consulting work we did.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Minnesota Carlson's MBA program?

Know your narrative. 

Before answering the question of whether to attend Minnesota Carlson be clear on why you are pursuing business school. Even if you are just looking for a career pivot and aren’t sure what career, it’s helpful for you to know that and be able to acknowledge that as a critical factor in your decision-making. Maybe your uncertainty about your career path is why Carlson's experiential learning Enterprises or broad network of professionals in various industries would appeal to you. 

Being clear about what you need from an MBA experience will allow you to have a more focused narrative as to why Carlson is the right place for you, and you, the right person for Carlson.