“The MHA program gave me more than academic preparation; it gave me the confidence and tools to step into my future as a health care leader,” says Maria Carrasco.
Maria Carrasco is a second-year student in the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She is an international student from the Dominican Republic and has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida International University.
In this Q&A, she discusses how she believes the curriculum and mentorship at Mount Sinai is preparing her to become an effective health care leader.
Why did you choose to study at Mount Sinai?
I chose to pursue my Master of Health Administration at the Icahn School of Medicine because of its strong reputation in health care leadership and its commitment to patient-centered care. I was looking for a program that would challenge me academically while also preparing me for real-world health care environments, and the school felt like the right place from the start.
From my first semester, I felt supported by professors and mentors who genuinely care about our growth and preparation. In every class, they took time to connect with us, encourage our critical thinking, and relate course material to real health care challenges.
What course has had the biggest impact on you so far?
Every course has had a lasting impact; they have helped me understand how strong leadership and organizational culture directly influence patient care and employee engagement. Learning about health care systems and management strategies deepened my appreciation for the role administrators play in creating efficient and compassionate environments.
One course that had a particularly strong impact on me was Health Care Operations in my first semester. Through this class, I realized that this is the area of health care I truly want to pursue in my career. It helped me see how behind-the-scenes processes directly affect patient care, staff experiences, and overall outcomes. Learning about workflow design, resource management, and operational efficiency showed me how meaningful this work can be, especially when done with intention and compassion. The course gave me clarity and confidence in my professional direction, and it reinforced my desire to be part of improving health care systems in practical, sustainable ways.
Can you share your experience as an international student in the MHA program?
As an international student, the MHA program has played a huge role in helping me grow both professionally and personally. It has prepared me to become a health care leader by teaching me how to think strategically, work collaboratively, and make informed decisions in a new health care system and culture. Through case studies, group projects, and applied coursework, I’ve learned how to evaluate health care processes, manage resources, and approach challenges with both structure and empathy. The program has also strengthened my communication skills and given me the confidence to navigate complex health care settings.
What part of the MHA program has been the most important?
Beyond academics, the program has helped me connect my passion for helping others with practical leadership skills, reinforcing my desire to help health care systems become more efficient and compassionate. I now feel prepared to support operational improvements, advocate for patients, and be part of building stronger health care organizations. The MHA program gave me more than academic preparation; it gave me the confidence and tools to step into my future as a health care leader.
What are your plans upon completing your MHA degree?
I’m graduating from the MHA program in June 2026. I hope to work in an operations role within a health system. I want to improve processes, particularly how care is delivered to patients. The patient experience can be confusing and difficult, and I want to address operational challenges to make it easier for them.