Poets & Quants names Kellogg student to ‘Best of the Class of 2015′ list

Meera Atkins ’15 (EMP 96) is a new breed of medical professional. As she builds her medical practice, Renaissance Women’s Health in Geneva, Ill., she is keenly aware of both the medical and business sides. Her desire to provide the best patient care drove her to expand her skill set through Kellogg’s Executive MBA Program.

Poets & Quants named Atkins to the 2015 “Best of EMBA Students,” a list of the 30 best-and-brightest students in an EMBA program. See the full list > 

Since starting her MBA, Atkins has been able to take lessons from class and immediately put them into practice. “What was really fun was during school, as I’d learn something, I’d be able to incorporate it right away. We increased our efficiencies and quality during my operations course.” In addition to leading her practice, she served as a student ambassador for her class and volunteered her time for medical treatment at the Lazarus House.

Poets & Quants posted Q&As with each of the “Best of the Class of 2015″ students. Learn more about Atkins from her answers below.

Where are you currently working? Renaissance Women’s Health; Founder/Owner

“I knew I wanted to go to business school when…I finished residency and entered my first “real job.” I realized there was this other half of healthcare that I knew absolutely nothing about.”

“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…applying right now! It was always part of my plan.”

What are your long-term professional goals? I want to be able to make healthcare more accessible for everyone. Having been “in the trenches” as a clinician and now having a deep understanding of the economics, that hopefully will get me there.

Favorite Courses: World Economy with Professor Sergio Rebelo

Which academic or professional achievements are you most proud of? I started my own medical practice from the ground up a few years ago. I was involved in everything from marketing to contract negotiation and strategy. What was really fun was during school, as I’d learn something, I’d be able to incorporate it in right away. We increased our efficiencies and quality during my operations course. My office was really enthusiastic about our changes, too. It is incredibly satisfying to take an idea, nurture it and watch it grow!

Why did you choose this executive MBA program? I was all set to go to another program, when my husband said I should just check it out. That was the best advice. I was hooked from that very first informational session. I happened to talk to the program director, who just seemed so hands-on and approachable. Then I talked to current students – who said it was life-changing. Plus, the hors d’oeuvres were really tasty!

What did you enjoy most about the executive MBA program? Besides the learning? The people and conversations. There are such incredible people in the program – not only at Kellogg, but at their international ‘sister’ schools. You can learn so much from their experiences – both while in the classroom and outside.  We get to spend a lot of time together, since we all stay on campus. This gives us plenty of opportunities to build and grow our network.

What is your most memorable moment from business school? My study group and I had dinner with Harry Kraemer, the former CEO of Baxter International. I had read one of his books (“From Values to Action”) and it really resonated with me. He was so genuine and down to earth. It far exceeded my expectations.

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