Carey Landry, a successful healthcare leader with a PhD in science and medical research, wanted a healthy career — and that meant investing in herself. But between her busy career and homelife, Carey didn’t exactly have spare hours in her day to go on campus.
Nothing stopped Carey from finding a way to earn her Executive MBA at the University of Fredericton. That education decision led to real, measurable career advancement and healthcare system impact.
Finding success with a flexible, online format
Carey needed an MBA program that didn’t interrupt the life she was already leading. Her PhD gave her deep subject matter expertise, and working in oncology meant she navigated complexity and innovation daily. But she wanted to lead large-scale change.
“I needed a new challenge. I really wanted to hone my leadership and business skills to take my career to the next level.”
She found what she was looking for in UFred’s online Executive Masters of Business Administration program, graduating with a specialty stream of Business Analytics Leadership. The program is designed to flex around full-time careers, parenting and other life commitments.
“I was reassured by the flexibility of the program model because I needed to be able to balance studies between my job and my mom duties. The fact that I could attend class from anywhere was very appealing to me. And I liked the idea that, if life circumstances came up, I could skip a term and then I right jump back in where I left off.”
Moving from Manager to Director, even before graduation
While still completing her degree, Carey made a significant leap from healthcare manager to director. She credits the MBA as a key reason she felt prepared to take that next step.
“Having my MBA underway strengthened my application to my current position and helped me make that transition.”
The flexibility of the online format even allowed her to attend class from a train after her successful job interview.
Now, Carey oversees cancer services across seven counties as Director of the Southwest Regional Cancer Program, one of 14 regional programs in Ontario delivered through London Health Sciences Centre, the regional cancer centre for southwestern Ontario. She also serves as Director of Inpatient Oncology, CMH, and Stem Cell Transplantation at London Health Sciences Centre.
“Cancer care requires a lot of integration of services so patients receive the right care at the right time for the best possible experience and outcomes. As a leader you pick up bits and pieces of business structure and function as you're gaining work experience. But the UFred program tied all that together with foundational knowledge.”
Leadership beyond the lab
Carey gained tangible, transformational leadership skills from her time at UFred. She is using her knowledge to benefit patients, families and entire communities. That leadership has helped bring new, life-changing patient programs to people across Southwestern Ontario.
Among Carey’s proudest accomplishments is her leadership in advancing transplant care at London Health Sciences Centre.
Promoting cancer prevention and screening, as well as patient education and care coordination.
Launching an outpatient autologous stem cell program to improve patient experience while also freeing up hospital beds.
Introducing a new donor stem cell service, enabling patients to receive complex, month-long treatment closer to home instead of having to relocate.
These system-level improvements reflect the kind of meaningful impact Carey set out to achieve when she pursued her MBA. Transformational leadership plays a role in improving quality of life and experience for patients.
A realistic, achievable accomplishment
To those who think they’re too busy to return to school, Carey offers a powerful perspective:
“The next two or three years will pass by either way. So reflect on your goals and where you want to be at that time and use your vision to guide your path.”
For Carey, the investment in her education has paid off.
“The UFred program is a very realistic, achievable accomplishment. It has benefited me in a lot of ways. I've become more confident with giving presentations at work, which is essential to the role. I've also improved my ability to develop solid business cases to drive program growth and development.”
She reminds us:
“You can't put a dollar value on education.”