Derek Lim

Could you share what initially attracted you to MCiM? How did you find it unique or different from other graduate programs you considered?

I was drawn to the MCiM program after repeatedly encountering the same challenges in the hospital. As a physician, I realized that lasting change begins at the organizational level, and I needed to learn to speak the languages of both business and technology. MCiM was the only program specifically tailored for someone with a clinical background, offering a diverse set of practical experiences that would help me develop as a future healthcare leader.

Can you tell us your favorite MCiM course? What made this course stand out, and how did it influence your academic or professional journey?

The course Leading and Managing Healthcare Organizations by Professor Singer completely transformed my understanding of healthcare organizations. I began to see them not as monolithic entities, but as collections of individuals, each with their own personal wants and needs. I learned that to drive organizational change, I needed to focus on key individuals who have both the power and the desire to enact that change. Professor Singer’s course has been instrumental in reshaping how I view my role within a larger organization—not as a cog in the wheel, but as someone with the power to make a difference.

You came into the program with a strong drive to solve healthcare problems using technology. What specific skills or knowledge have you gained that has empowered you to make a greater impact in this field?

Learning the Biodesign Innovation Process provided me with a systematic framework for identifying, prototyping, and implementing quality improvement solutions at scale within a healthcare system. Applying this framework under the guidance of mentors over a ten-week period has given me the confidence to tackle challenging problems in healthcare.

Could you share some of the unique opportunities you encountered as an international student at Stanford?

Participating in the Stanford homestay program and attending events at the Bechtel center were crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to Stanford and the United States. Having previously lived abroad in both Singapore and Australia, I also took part in their global outreach programs, which included coffee chats, networking sessions, and meet-ups.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering MCiM?

I encourage anyone interested to simply apply! My time at MCiM has accelerated my career as a healthcare leader, transformed the way I think about healthcare, and connected me with amazing friends who share my passions and goals at the intersection of business, technology, and healthcare. I am incredibly thankful for everything I’ve learned during this whirlwind of a year and look forward to meeting new MCiMers in the future!