Priya Posani ‘16
Why did you choose to come to UMR? I chose UMR because I knew it was the right place to explore my passion for health care. From the small class sizes, to the innovative teaching structure, to the proximity to Mayo Clinic, I felt that there was an environment that encouraged students to leverage opportunities and collaborate in learning.
What did your Capstone experience at UMR involve? My Capstone experience was seeded in both education and real-life experiences within the health care industry. In an effort to understand how health plans and health systems play a role in health care, I attained a minor in business management and interned at BlueCross BlueShield Minnesota. I took classes on healthcare economics, healthcare administration, and health policy that furthered my fascination of the healthcare value chain. I was able to apply my learning during my time within the Health Services Department at BlueCross Minnesota where I supported the development of a Maternity Management Program for the Medicaid population. It was the first time I had understood the magnitude of efforts that go into developing a community-based program and the unique incentives a health plan has for keeping their community healthy.
How did your Capstone experience prepare you for your future in what you’re currently doing? My Capstone gave me perspective on the type of impact I wanted to have within health care and afforded me the ability to put my interests to action. Through my Capstone, I was able to understand that I was intrigued by the management side of health care, that I loved building programs and thinking critically about community health, and that I wanted to support underprivileged populations. It’s with these learnings that I have been able to stay grounded in my values and facilitate some of the most complex program implementations, strategies, and projects across the health care industry.
What are you currently doing? I am currently working as the Senior Manager Clinical Operations for Babylon Health, a global telemedicine startup. Babylon’s mission is to put accessible and affordable health care into the hands of every person on earth.
Was there a faculty member that positively impacted your time at UMR and how? Dr. Butani. Chemistry was always a subject I found to be difficult. Dr. Butani went out of her way to not only provide me with educational support, but also taught me that there is always a simpler way to view seemingly complex problems. She was also one of my biggest supporters when it came to thinking through my career, my ambitions, and personal growth. My time at UMR wouldn’t have been the same without her.