Nath Samaratunga: Passion for equitable healthcare

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

At each step of my journey, I have found that seeking inspiration rather than perfection is what allows me to maximise my growth and my impact. I do this by surrounding myself with people who challenge and impress me, by embracing discomfort and new experiences, and by allowing myself to realise a greater version of myself through interaction with peers, faculty, and mentors. It is this pursuit of the betterment of myself and the world around me that led to my eventual MBA journey. 

My path to the Cambridge MBA stemmed from a desire to maximize the wellbeing of others and fill the gaps in my skillset to fully reach my goals. As a future physician-policy maker, I strive to create policies that make healthcare accessible to all people; however, through my previous policy studies, experiences in government, and conversations with mentors, I came to realise that the main gap between my current state and the leader I hope to be could be directly attained through the Cambridge MBA programme. 

The Cambridge MBA offers a unique blend of rigorous academic training, a diverse and accomplished network, and a culture of innovation that aligns perfectly with my aspirations. By immersing myself in this environment, I am confident that I will not only bridge the gaps in my skillset but also be empowered to drive meaningful change in healthcare policy. This programme represents a pivotal step in my journey, one that will equip me to better serve others and achieve my vision of a more equitable and accessible health care system for all. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

My biggest professional accomplishment to date was collaborating with Andy Slavitt, former acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, on his book Preventable. This role involved conducting extensive research on pandemic responses, interviewing patients, providers, and leading figures in healthcare policy, and contributing to the manuscript documenting the US COVID-19 response. 

As the work progressed, I also supported the editing and research for related news publications, congressional testimonies, and other works as Mr. Slavitt took on a more active role in the country’s pandemic response. What makes this experience particularly significant for me is the opportunity to work closely with someone I deeply admire. Through this collaboration, I witnessed first-hand what exemplary leadership looks like – characterised by trust, kindness, and determination. 

This accomplishment stands out as it allowed me to actively contribute to the fight against COVID-19 while gaining invaluable insights and inspiration from a leader whose qualities I aspire to embody. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

The Vanessa Dekou Scholarship represents many things to me. It offers me the financial support that makes my Cambridge MBA possible. I cannot express enough thanks for this opportunity. Even more than that, however, this scholarship represents possibility. 

Dr Dekou created this scholarship to empower professionals in STEM to advance their leadership skills and move science forward. I am honored to have been given the opportunity to maximize a business education to evolve my future patient care and advance health policy such that all people can benefit. 

Thanks to this scholarship, I hope to be the first of many people in STEM to take advantage of the Cambridge MBA to move our society forward through science. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

There are 3 main qualities I hope to take away from my Cambridge MBA. First, I hope to gain a strong understanding of business and economic concepts that I can apply to policy. Second, I strive to foster communication skills of negotiation and public speaking in order to advocate and push policies forward. 

And finally, and most importantly, I hope to find community in the incredible, inspiring, change-makers that comprise the MBA class, which I hope will last long after we leave this special institution. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

After completing my MBA journey and medical education journey thereafter, I see myself working at the intersection of health policy and primary care practice. I strive to provide direct patient care at bedside as well as provide input on health policy for low-income populations through state or federal agencies. 

I see myself utilising the skills I gained from my MBA in terms of communication skills, understanding of business principles, and strategic mindset to increase access to care through the Medicaid program. Furthermore, I hope to use the continued conversations and experiences of peers from the global Cambridge community to gradually evolve the US healthcare system piece by piece. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

To me, Cambridge is a place of dreamers: People who envision a world that is bolder, stronger, and more equitable than the world we live in, and who go out and shape that very future. It is a place where my peers and I can gain the skills and resources to amplify the voices of those who are not afforded a seat at the table. It is a place of community, in which the benefits of our education go beyond the walls of this institution. 

It is a place where I will continue to evolve my own dreams and build new ones with my MBA community. Finally, for me, this opportunity serves as a reflection of the support of my entire community, from my parents and sisters to my extended family, friends, and mentors. Even now, I am still pinching myself that this chance has been afforded to me. I am humble and honoured by this life-changing opportunity. 

Something that few people may know about you…

During medical school, I was a part of an acapella singing group called The Ultrasounds! I love singing, both formally and in the shower, and I aspire to someday write an original song.