Siu-Hin Wan
University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
Age: 38 years old
“Heart failure cardiologist passionate about innovation, mentorship, and advancing cardiology through compassionate leadership.”
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Family Members: Single
Fun fact about yourself: Pianist, engineer, photographer, and world traveler to all 7 continents.
Undergraduate School and Degree:
Northwestern University – McCormick School of Engineering (BS in Biomedical Engineering and minor in Chemistry)
Northwestern University – Feinberg School of Medicine (MD)
Mayo Clinic – (Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship)
Where are you currently working?
Heart Failure Cardiologist
Director of Heart Failure
Allina Health – Minneapolis Heart Institute, United Hospital
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Fellow of the American Heart Association, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Fellow of the Heart Failure Society of America
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the achievements I’m most proud of during business school is being nominated as a class representative. It is an honor to be entrusted by such an accomplished and diverse group of peers—leaders from industries ranging from tech and finance to healthcare and entrepreneurship. Serving in this role gives me the opportunity to advocate for my classmates while also learning from their experiences, perspectives, and approaches to leadership. The exposure to their stories and strategies not only broadens my understanding of business but also enriches my own growth as a leader.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I’m most proud of in my professional career is building a heart failure program focused on complex cardiomyopathies—one that expands access to specialized care for patients and communities who need it most. As director of heart failure, I’ve had the privilege of shaping this program from the ground up, integrating clinical excellence with strategic leadership. This journey reflects my commitment to lifelong growth and learning, drawing from my background in engineering and strengthened by my MBA training. Together, these disciplines have enabled me to advance care delivery while continuing to evolve as a physician-leader.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Professor Aks Zaheer, my strategy professor who fundamentally reshaped the way I approach problem-solving. Through his course, I developed a structured framework for analyzing business challenges and making decisions—an invaluable addition to my professional toolbox. This strategic mindset has been directly applicable to my work in healthcare, allowing me to better understand the complexities of the business side of medicine and communicate more effectively with organizational leaders. As a dynamic storyteller, his teaching bridged the gap between clinical insights and business strategy, equipping me to lead more thoughtfully and collaboratively within a rapidly-evolving healthcare landscape.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose the Carlson School’s executive MBA program because of the incredible student body—diverse, driven, and genuinely collaborative. From the start, I was inspired by my classmates’ breadth of experiences and the shared commitment to learning from one another. The location in Minneapolis and emphasis on leadership development were also major draws, given the vibrant ecosystem of Fortune 500 companies spanning multiple industries, offering a dynamic context for business education. The faculty’s commitment to cutting-edge research ensured that we were learning the most current and relevant insights, and the support staff made the entire experience seamless and enriching. It is the perfect environment to grow both personally and professionally.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I gained during my MBA program was the importance of intentional leadership and teamwork—skills that I’ve been able to apply directly in my role in healthcare. The program gave me a formal framework for engaging with a diverse, multidisciplinary healthcare team – those with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and values – by emphasizing the value of clear communication, active listening, and constructive feedback for personal development. I’ve learned how to develop and articulate a compelling vision and (more importantly) how to inspire and motivate others toward that shared goal. Whether collaborating with physicians, nurses, or administrators, these lessons have helped me foster a more cohesive, empowered culture that’s focused on delivering the highest level of care.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? One of the most memorable stories from my executive MBA journey that captures how I juggled work, family, and education was a two-week expedition to Antarctica—a trip that had been on my bucket list for years. As a full-time clinical cardiologist, researcher, and administrator, balancing that with executive MBA coursework and national cardiology conferences was already a major undertaking. On top of that, family is deeply important to me, and I’ve always prioritized time for staying connected with my parents. Traveling is one of my passions—I’ve now visited all seven continents as a way to expand my perspective. However, Antarctica posed a unique challenge: no cell coverage, an extended journey to cross the Drake Passage, and complete detachment from work and school.
To make it possible, I relied heavily on time management, planning, and prioritization skills. I anticipated my clinical responsibilities weeks in advance and coordinated with my incredible partners to ensure patients would be cared for seamlessly. For my MBA coursework, I got creative—submitting a video presentation in place of a live class and writing about my experience on leadership inspired by the complex logistics of the company operating the Antarctica expedition. That trip became a metaphor for how I approached my entire MBA experience: it required careful preparation, adaptability, and the support of a strong team. In the end, it was incredibly rewarding—crossing the pristine beauty of the Lemaire Channel, watching penguins in their natural habitats, and being mindful. They all reminded me that with intention, and flexibility, it’s possible to balance even the most demanding commitments and find moments of awe.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? My advice is to go in with an open mind and a long-term perspective. It’s a demanding experience—especially when balancing full-time work and family—but it’s absolutely worth the investment. Be open to ideas from classmates in other industries; some of the most valuable lessons come from those cross-industry conversations, as the business world becomes increasingly interconnected. Even if a class doesn’t seem directly relevant at the moment, stay engaged—you’ll often find those concepts become surprisingly applicable down the road. Most importantly, stay curious, keep connecting ideas across disciplines, and use the opportunity to grow both intellectually and through the incredible network you’ll build along the way – with those who share similar values and desires to change the world.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest surprise in my executive MBA program is how quickly the two years flew by. The pace of the program is intense—you absorb an incredible amount of information in a short time—and I often wished I had more time to immediately implement those lessons into my work and leadership roles. Looking back, I also wish I had even more time to connect with classmates. The relationships and conversations are one of the most valuable aspects of the program. While I built many meaningful connections, there was still so much more to learn from the diverse experiences and insights of the people around me.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is Christine Miller, who holds executive-level responsibilities at General Mills. Despite coming from a completely different industry and background, and often approaching problems from a different perspective, I’ve come to deeply respect and learn from our differences. Our contrasting opinions and strengths have led to some of the most meaningful and eye-opening discussions throughout the program. Christine consistently demonstrates thoughtful leadership. These include bringing in props to enrich our understanding during a case discussion on General Mills or remembering a classmate’s birthday or celebrating someone’s achievement. Even with a demanding role, she always prioritizes the team’s success and leads with kindness and intention. She’s a true example of what it means to motivate and support others while excelling at the highest level.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The main reason I chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives was the opportunity for deep, in-person engagement with a strong and diverse cohort. The thoughtful discussions that happen in the classroom—especially during teamwork exercises, leadership simulations, or negotiation sessions—simply can’t be replicated in a virtual format. Being physically present allowed for spontaneous conversations, real-time feedback, and stronger connections with classmates. The networking and personal interactions were incredibly valuable, not only for building relationships but also for expanding my perspective by learning directly from others’ experiences across industries.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I self-financed my executive MBA. Despite the significant investment of time and resources, I firmly believe it was worth every bit. The knowledge, leadership skills, and relationships I’ve gained have had a profound impact on both my professional and personal growth—and the long-term benefits will continue to pay dividends throughout my career. To help make the most of the experience, I also obtained strong buy-in from my organization by clearly communicating the value of the MBA in the context of my role as a cardiologist leader. Demonstrating how business training complements clinical and administrative leadership helped ensure support and alignment with my career goals.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal—perhaps idealistic—is to change the world by advancing the future of healthcare and expanding access to underserved communities. I’m passionate about not only delivering exceptional clinical care, but also educating the public and the next generation of physicians, pushing innovation, and driving impactful research. Achieving this vision requires strong, compassionate leadership and the ability to clearly communicate and mobilize others around a shared mission. I deeply believe in the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management’s unofficial motto of using business as a force for good. With dual expertise as an MD and MBA, I’m committed to bridging the gap between healthcare leadership and frontline patient care—so we can build systems that truly serve people better.
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