A prominent cardiologist, physician executive, and advocate for the community, John Erwin III, MD, MBA’24, is dedicated to servant leadership for improving healthcare, and it’s just one reason Dr. Erwin earned a place among the 2024 Best & Brightest Executive MBA Graduates by Poets & Quants.
Dr. Erwin’s decision to pursue an MBA was influenced by his desire to enhance his leadership capabilities and gain practical tools for navigating the complex business landscape of healthcare. When he began researching MBA programs to advance his career in medicine, Dr. Erwin ultimately chose the Physician MBA Program at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business Indianapolis. He was particularly drawn to Kelley’s program due to its reputation for producing impactful leaders and its comprehensive executive coaching component.
“Kelley School graduates possess tremendous leadership abilities, and they are very quick to credit lessons learned during their Physician MBA studies at Kelley,” Dr. Erwin said. “Another distinguishing program feature is the executive coaching Kelley provides physicians during the program and after graduation. It’s unrivaled. When you reach a certain level of leadership, it’s tough to receive quality critical feedback. I think that’s an amazing component that sets the Kelley Physician MBA Program apart from others.”
Before pursuing his MBA, Dr. Erwin achieved a number of significant career milestones. Dr. Erwin currently serves as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at NorthShore University Health System, after serving more than 25 years at Texas A&M Health Science Center. After joining NorthShore, he served as the department chair for when it and another award-winning healthcare system navigated through a complex but successful merger and continued growth.
During his time at Kelley, Dr. Erwin experienced a profound transformation in his approach to healthcare leadership. The program equipped him with essential skills in finance, accounting, and organizational behavior, which he immediately applied in his role. He credits one of his favorite professors, Professor of Finance Ken Carow, for enhancing his understanding of finance and enabling him to become a more effective leader within his department.
“Ken’s enthusiasm for his subject matter and for seeing his pupils become passionate about it is evident. He was patient in giving me the necessary tools, and it has given me the ability to be a better leader, have better conversations, and ask better questions of my finance department,” Dr. Erwin said. “I believe that has helped me apply them instantly and learn new things during my MBA.”
MBA studies presented unique challenges for Dr. Erwin as he juggled intensive career and family responsibilities. As a department chair of the largest department at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, Dr. Erwin instructs medical staff while also organizing curriculum, faculty development, and business relations between the university and NorthShore. He also engages in community and volunteer work, serving on boards, mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals, volunteering with the unhoused population, and mentoring kids through sports.
Despite working 90- to 110-hour weeks, Dr. Erwin navigated this demanding schedule with the support of his family and understanding from Kelley professors and his classmates. Dr. Erwin’s perseverance during difficult times underscored his commitment to personal and professional growth.
“Each team member pitched in at crucial times, providing emotional and social support to one another,” Dr. Erwin said. “It became clear the Physician MBA Program is designed to balance the struggles of working clinicians and clinical leaders.”
One pivotal lesson Dr. Erwin learned during the MBA was how to integrate science and art in healthcare management. He applied a holistic approach to enhance communication with C-suite leaders and foster teamwork within his department. Notably, Dr. Erwin’s academic achievements during the program included publishing six peer-reviewed articles and presenting abstracts at prestigious medical conferences. Dr. Erwin’s expertise is not limited to clinical practices, but extends to his role as a thought leader, shaping the future of healthcare through innovative research and patient care strategies.
Reflecting on his MBA experience, Dr. Erwin emphasizes the importance of time management and prioritization. He encourages physicians considering the Kelley Physician MBA to prioritize family and work commitments while dedicating focused time to their studies. He also recommends Physician MBAs take advantage of travel time to and from Indianapolis to complete coursework. Dr. Erwin also dispels the myth of overwhelming course loads, affirming that with discipline and support anyone can succeed in the Physician MBA Program.
Dr. Erwin envisions a future where he continues to drive positive change in healthcare policy and clinical outcomes. His aspiration to influence healthcare on a broader scale underscores his commitment to improving the patient experience and supporting healthcare professionals.
“My ultimate goal is to revolutionize healthcare—enhancing outcomes for providers and patients alike on a global scale. I strive to transform clinical practices and elevate the dynamics between healthcare teams and patients within our system. Moreover, I’m determined to wield influence over healthcare policies worldwide, fostering systemic improvements beyond the United States,” he said.
Dr. Erwin’s Physician MBA experience at the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis has not only enriched his professional toolkit but has also empowered him to envision a future where healthcare is synonymous with compassion, excellence, and innovation.
Learn more about Dr. Erwin’s selection by Poets & Quants as a 2024 Best and Brightest Executive MBA.
Leave a Reply