Tracey D. Conti, MD
University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
Age: 53
“I’m an advocate for equitable healthcare, addressing disparities and improving healthcare delivery to underserved communities.”
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Family Members: Husband- Christopher, Children- Christopher Jr. (28), Nicholas (26), Matthew (23), Zachary (21), Jacob (19), Benjamin (17) and Sarah (15)
Fun fact about yourself: I love Broadway musicals and jigsaw puzzles
Undergraduate School and Degree:
Benjamin Banneker Honors College, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas, Bachelor of Science, Biology
Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Doctor of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, Family Medicine Residency and Chief Resident
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, Women’s Health and Faculty Development Fellowship
Where are you currently working? Chair, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine/UPMC
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
Leadership Roles: Co-Chair Physician Inclusion Council at UPMC and Pitt (PICUP), UPMC Health Plan Board of Directors, UPMC Physician Services Division Physician Leadership Essentials Advisory Board, Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority Board of Directors, Family Medicine Educational Consortium Board of Directors
2023 Honors: Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Woman of Distinction-Healthcare, Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence, University of Pittsburgh, Linguistics and Humanities in Health Outstanding Collaborator Award, Iota Phi Foundation Exemplary Service in Medicine Award, The New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence
Community Work: Women for a Healthy Environment Board of Directors, Equitable and Just Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Group Member, Western Pennsylvania American Diabetes Association Community Advisory Board, Black Equity Coalition Huddle member, 9th Street Free Clinic volunteer and Board chair
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of the impact my community service work has on the individuals and communities I work with.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am incredibly proud to hold the position of Chair of the Department of Family Medicine. This achievement represents a significant milestone in breaking barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion in Academic Medicine.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? I have truly enjoyed working with Pamela Peele. The combination of her expertise, innovative thinking, and dedication to improving healthcare have been inspirational. Beyond that, her personal journey embodies perseverance and resilience. I have truly benefited from her knowledge experience and inspiring approach to life and work.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? The University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business Executive healthcare MBA program stood out to me for its comprehensive curriculum, healthcare focus, and practical approach. I chose this program as it leverages the expertise of faculty who have extensive experience in the healthcare sector, providing me with valuable insights and practical guidance.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Overall, the biggest lesson I have learned from this program is the ability to think strategically and make informed decisions based on a holistic understanding of business principles. I have enhanced my effectiveness as a physician leader by applying the skills I have learned around team management, driving financial sustainability, and delivering high quality patient care.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Finding a balance between work, MBA studies and family is an ongoing process. I found that being flexible and having the willingness to adjust by schedule has been the most helpful. Identifying the urgent priority and adjusting accordingly have been essential to my wellbeing.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Your EMBA journey is unique to you. Be open to new experiences, embrace challenges, and make the most of opportunities that come your way!
What was your biggest regret in business school? I don’t have any regrets; this has truly been a transformative experience
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? During the EMBA program, I had the privilege of witnessing the strength and resilience of 4 fellow students who became parents while participating in this program. Joey Costa, Amy Kramer, Crystal Wills and Bhagat Kondaveeti. Their ability to balance the demands of a newborn and the rigorous curriculum is truly inspiring.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? This program offered a more immersive and comprehensive learning experience compared to part time or online alternatives. Being fully immersed in a dedicated learning environment allows me to focus on the curriculum being presented, engage in experiential learning opportunities, and build valuable relationships with my classmates and faculty.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to influence healthcare through policies and practices to create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system.
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