Ready to Bring Change to the Healthcare Industry

The U.S. healthcare system is in crisis and has major problems, according to 68 percent of people surveyed for a Gallup poll in November 2022. 

Shreya Khanna wants to be part of what changes that overwhelmingly negative perception. That's why she chose to come from her native India to Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program. 

Khanna (MEM ‘23) recently attended the Business of Healthcare Conference hosted by the Kellogg School of Management. The theme of the daylong gathering was “Power and Responsibility: The Systems That Shape Healthcare and the Forces Looking to Disrupt It.”   

The conference allowed attendees to take a deeper look at the stakeholders shaping healthcare decisions in the United States and the shifting dynamics among care providers, payers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators, shareholders, and employers. Conference organizers said the interplay between those stakeholders often leaves patients feeling powerless to achieve their personal health goals.  

Panel discussions touched on topics ranging from "Activating Health Equity to Serve the Underserved" to "Healthcare Innovation in Global Emerging Markets." Those in attendance also heard keynote speeches from Carolyn Starrett, CEO at Flatiron Health, and Adaeze Enekwechi, operating partner at Welsh, Carson, Anderson, & Stowe.  

Khanna intends to be a product manager in the healthcare industry and said the conference helped sharpen her focus on the issues she will face as she launches her career.  

“As someone who comes from a family of doctors, I have always been motivated to value education and give back to society,” Khanna said. “The conference provided me with a valuable opportunity to learn from the experts and explore new ideas and solutions.”  

Results from an ongoing Gallup survey on Americans’ perception of the healthcare industry shows citizens are craving those new ideas and solutions.  

• More than half of those surveyed annually since the turn of the century say they believe the American healthcare system has either major problems or is in crisis. 
• Over that same time period, more than 70 percent have said they are dissatisfied with the cost of healthcare in the United States, with the exception being 69 percent in 2020.  

Khanna said she wants to be a force for improvement.  

“The theme highlights the crucial role that I and others like me have in driving positive change and innovation in the healthcare industry,” she said. “It reminds me that with the power of technology and innovation comes a great responsibility to ensure that our products are ethical, equitable, and have a positive impact on the lives of people who use them.” 

Khanna is conducting independent study research on Type 2 diabetes and previously took a Kellogg class on medical technology financing and commercialization. She said opportunities like those she's had — including attending the conference — are why she chose MEM. 

“The MEM program has strong connections to industry and offers opportunities for internships, industry projects, and networking events,” she said. “These opportunities can be valuable for building professional networks and gaining exposure to real-world product management challenges.” 

Khanna left the conference inspired and invigorated. She's excited to finish her studies in MEM, but she's more motivated than ever to become a product manager and bring about change to the healthcare industry.   

“We must take into account the broader social, political, and economic factors that shape the healthcare industry and work to promote transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior,” she said. “I left the conference feeling energized and motivated to continue pursuing the mission of improving the lives of patients and clinicians.”