Erin Morgan Donnelly MBA (Leadership) Class of 2020
Erin Morgan Donnelly is a physiotherapist with a background within both the public and private sector. Her knowledge and experience provide a foundation upon which to explore the healthcare industry from all angles. Her track record for improving the overall patient experience, improving workflows, and creating a successful EVENTS through strategic marketing are her key strengths. Erin enjoys implementing technology driven solutions to facilitate safe and effective patient centered healthcare delivery.
In October 2020, Erin crossed the virtual stage to receive her MBA(Leadership) in October 2020. In a recent virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Erin spoke about how her passion for healthcare, leadership, and innovation, prompted her to take on the challenge of a robust academic journey.
Erin Morgan Donnelly
My decision to enroll in an MBA program was based on my pursuit of knowledge. I always knew I wanted to explore options within the field of academia. My involvement within the healthcare sector focused my choice between a Masters in Health Administration and the MBA(L). I selected the MBA(L) because of its versatility in opening more doors and opportunities.
Dalhousie was a “no brainer” for any excuse to get back to Halifax more often to see my family was a serendipitous bonus. Being a proud Haligonian, Dalhouisie was my university of choice. Working in Ottawa, I have always enjoyed spreading the word within my network about all the amazing sites Halifax has to offer. Now, I have the added benefit of being able to share the Dalhousie experience of learning and connecting with students, graduates, and professors. My husband was also enrolled in a master program so there was a friendly competitive element in my planning.
Keeping work, study and life balance was achieved through a strong support system. My husband, who graduated from the MIM program in 2019, was an outstanding encouragement to me throughout the entire MBA(L) program. My extended family was also a huge support as were my amazing work colleagues. My patients were fully aware of my goals and school commitments. They cheered me on every step of my journey.
In the final stages of my degree, I was able to leverage my freshly acquired knowledge with a move into an administrative role in a hospital setting. Without question, the MBA(L) courses gave me a strategic foundation and relevant skills required for my heightened responsibilities. But it was the knowledge gained from interactions with my classmates that added depth and breadth to my understanding. The classroom discussions and stories from other industries added perspective on opportunities and threats (SWOT, how many of these did we do!) and how they aligned with and mirrored healthcare institutions. Navigating group work and the variety of personalities and backgrounds helped me establish stronger relationships within my team.
My next step is to take the healthcare world by storm and demonstrate the value of forward-thinking business minded employees. But seriously, I hope to apply the business knowledge to a sector that many do not view as a business. I will wait patiently for Dalhousie to add a healthcare designation to its MBA program. My 2021 goal is to complete my Project Management Professional (PMP) designation which will add valuable tools to my toolbox. Finally, I will enjoy the extra time I have with my incredibly supportive husband and my amazing kids who no longer have to say, “mommy, you have to study again.”
Erin Morgan Donnelly
Registered Physiotherapist
MBA (Leadership) Class of 2020
www.linkedin.com/in/erin-morgan-donnelly
https://erinmorgandonnelly.wordpress.com