Spotlight on MBA student Angel Gonzalez de la Fuente: journey and career prospects

Student Name: Angel Gonzalez de la Fuente

Programme: MBA Health
 
Nationality: Spanish

Education: Family Doctor and Public Health Specialist

Work Experience:

• Family Doctor
• Public Health Specialist and Head of Research in Primary Care
• Lecturer in Public Health and Biostatistics at the University of Burgos
• Researcher in Health Services and Systems at Amsterdam University
• Healthcare Consultant for The Health Policy Partnership

Tell me more about your background – It would be great to find out more about your education, work experience and current job role.
I am a Family Doctor by training. I earned my Medical Degree in Spain and practised for almost 7 years. I loved it and was deeply invested in the doctor-patient relationship. However, 2 years before enrolling at UCL, various opportunities arose in my professional career, prompting me to reflect on my journey. I was allowed to become a Lecturer in Public Health and Biostatistics for Nursing students, which opened my mind and broadened my horizons. Subsequently, I decided to pursue a master’s in public health at LSHTM, and it was a transformative experience for me, professionally speaking. I loved and enjoyed every single module in that master’s program, realising I was beginning to think more in terms of Health and populations rather than Medicine and patients. In February 2020, I was appointed as a Public Health Specialist and Head of Research at the same institution where I had previously worked as a Family Doctor. Then, in March 2020, COVID-19 came. And I always say the same: despite its devastating effects on everyone for obvious reasons, it gave me an invaluable learning experience. I had the opportunity to participate in and gain exposure from various regional, national, and international scientific committees, working on organising health services and strategising at both meso and macro levels.

What was your main motivation for enrolling in the MBA Health Programme at GBSH? 
I wanted to come to London and take a break. I had never worked outside Spain and lived in my hometown for the last couple of years, and the idea of spending a year in London seemed attractive. As an alumnus of LSHTM and LSE, I already knew people here. I was certain that coming to London would allow me to meet new people and attend events I was interested in... And I was right! Big opportunities presented themselves when I arrived in London a year ago. Looking back, I see it was worth the effort and investment!

How did your studies at GBSH contribute to your ability to secure your next position?
As mentioned, I already have strong skills and a thorough understanding of the healthcare sector due to my previous work experience in Spain and extensive education globally. However, this year has given me time to reflect on my future career aspirations, providing me with new stakeholder engagement and project management skills. I would say. And opportunities arose. In the last 9 months, while I was pursuing this MBA, I've been working on a WHO Case Study on the Spanish Primary Healthcare System, published in The Lancet Southeast Asia with Professor Julie Davies at UCL and Dr Kamal Gulati, AIIMS India, joined a Health Technology Assessment Company from Chile as a Market Access Advisor and undertook a 6-month internship as a Healthcare Consultant at The Health Policy Partnership, where Suzanne Wait, our Lecturer on Health Policy, serves as Managing Director. It’s been hectic, I know, but the exposure to so many different sectors has been invaluable, offering me new profound insights and knowledge.

Can you share a specific course during your MBA that you feel was instrumental in preparing you for your current role?
I can't pick just one… I would choose Health Policy and Regulation, Strategy, and Change Management. I found these three modules to be extremely valuable. They provided me with tools and skills that I will use in my next role, and we had extraordinary lectures and guest speakers during those weeks.

Could you share any memorable experiences or projects from your MBA programme that have impacted your career?
We have a module called 'Global Health Challenge' part of our MBA. It's a group project that spans the entire year and ultimately offers the opportunity for a 2-week trip to visit the country under study. I travelled to India in January, and it was an amazing experience. Before our visit, our group settled on a research/consulting topic, which focused broadly on innovation in the Indian healthcare system. We met and interviewed top stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including, among others, representatives from the All India Institute of Medical Science, The World Bank, the World Health Organization in Delhi, the India Institute of Science, and Narayana Health in Bengaluru. After returning from India, we wrote and presented a case study our faculty graded. We hope it will be published soon.

How did your MBA degree from GBSH give you an edge in the competitive job market?
This 100% healthcare-related MBA sets you apart in the vast healthcare sector. The knowledge, insights, and skills you acquire can be applied across various areas within the healthcare space. I know colleagues who will join Life Sciences departments in management consulting firms, the pharmaceutical industry, hospital management, start-ups, and IGOs. This breadth is genuinely advantageous. The fact that the MBA content is comprehensive yet consistently approached from a health perspective allows us to transition seamlessly to various positions.

Could you share the types of career support you received while at GBSH? Were any particular resources, networking opportunities or services you found beneficial?
First, the school provided us this year with two fantastic coaches, Simon Kay and Caroline Egan, who complement each other. Simon was more on the life side of coaching, and Caroline was more on the career side. Both were extraordinary, and I will remain connected with them, as their help and support were invaluable. They assist you in discovering precisely what you want and where you can make a difference – how to leverage your career after the MBA. They also guide you in applying for jobs, preparing your CV and cover letter or through mock interviews, networking…  GBSH also boasts many Health Executives in Residence: industry leaders who volunteer their time to provide students with career coaching and mentoring. I have built strong relationships with three of them."

What value do you feel a UCL MBA Health will add to your career moving forward?
Having An MBA and being a UCL alumnus are two powerful assets for nearly everyone looking to advance their career. I believe having both combined is even better. Pursuing an MBA in Health at a globally renowned institution makes a difference. GBSH is new, but I predict a future full of success for this business school, bringing in top faculty members and students. We are working to establish the alumni association, and I believe it will positively impact us and future students in the short, medium, and long term.

What advice do you have for current and prospective GBSH MBA students looking to secure a rewarding job placement after graduation?
Be committed to every potential job opportunity to which you apply. Only apply to jobs you're genuinely interested in, and take the time to prepare properly (CV, cover letter, etc.) to maximise your chances. Every recruitment process is a valuable learning experience, even if the outcome isn't what you hoped for. Don't despair if opportunities don't present themselves immediately or if you face challenges initially. Be patient and remain calm, as making the right decision is crucial.

What are your long-term career goals? How does your GBSH MBA and current work align with these goals?
I don't often contemplate long-term career goals; life nowadays changes so easily and quickly that it's better not to invest much time. Right now, a blend of IGOs and research in the Health Policy space feels right, and I'm moving in that direction. While I don't know where I'll be in 10 years, I would like to be involved in the decision-making process to achieve better health outcomes globally. Nevertheless, I'm certain that this year in London will be even more valuable than it is now for all the reasons I've mentioned.