Healthcare is one of the most dynamic and impactful industries in the world and Houston stands at the heart of it. That’s why the Career Development Office is hosting Healthcare Industry Week, part of our Industry Weeks series designed to connect Rice MBAs with leaders, alumni, and opportunities across vital sectors.
Running from September 29 to October 3, Healthcare Industry Week will give students an insider’s view of the trends, challenges, and leadership shaping this fast-evolving field. From fireside chats to a company trek, students will engage directly with executives and alumni, gaining knowledge they can apply to their own career paths.
Here’s what’s on the schedule:
Healthcare Leadership Series: Operational Excellence in Action
Tuesday, September 30 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Classroom 116, McNair Hall
Register in 12twenty
This interactive session highlights leadership and career journeys through the lens of operational excellence. Students will hear insights from healthcare executive Kyle Stanzel, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Houston Methodist West, take part in Q&A, and network with peers and alumni to strengthen their professional connections.
Candid Career Conversations in Healthcare Innovation: Fireside Chat
Wednesday, October 1 | 5:00–7:00 PM | AFC, McNair Hall
Register in 12twenty
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and innovation is at the center of it. In this fireside chat, a panel of healthcare leaders will share how they’ve built impactful careers, navigated challenges, and led through change. Networking before and after the panel gives students the chance to connect with alumni and industry insiders.
Panelists Include:
- Bill Atkinson, Vice President – Operations Planning, Strategy and Administration at MD Anderson
- Sarah Gelb ‘17, Finance Director at Johnson & Johnson
- Kathleen Reiter ‘25, Project Manager, Corporate Finance at McKesson
Healthcare Trek
Friday, October 3 | 8:00 AM–1:15 PM | TMC Houston
Registration is at capacity. Stay tuned for future career treks!
Students will head to MD Anderson for a half-day company trek. The visit includes a campus tour and a lunch with members of the management team, providing an inside look at one of the world’s most respected healthcare organizations. This trek offers a chance to see healthcare leadership in action while building industry knowledge and networks.
Keep Exploring: CDO Healthcare Resources
The conversation doesn’t end with Industry Week. The CDO offers a variety of resources to help you dive deeper into careers in healthcare, including:
- The Healthcare Career Community page with tailored insights and resources.
- 2025 Healthcare Networking List, a professional networking list exclusive to Rice Business MBAs.
- The Healthcare Association, a student-led organization offering opportunities to engage and connect with peers interested in the healthcare industry.
- The 2024 Alumni Career Panel for Healthcare (video), features candid advice and experiences from Rice Business graduates in the field.
These tools are here to support your career journey long after the week’s events conclude.
Healthcare Industry Week is part of our ongoing commitment to connect Rice MBAs with the industries that drive impact locally and globally. Whether you’re just beginning to explore healthcare or already envisioning your path in the field, these events will give you practical insights and valuable connections.
Fall 2025 Industry Weeks Schedule
Mark your calendars:
- Tech Week: October 27–31, 2025
- Real Estate Week: November 3–7, 2025
