Jason D. Hanks, MD MBA

Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University

“Dog-loving anesthesiologist dedicated to patient care, learning, home improvement projects, exercise, and having fun.”

Age: 46

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a problem-solving handyman, able to fix or find a working solution for almost anything broken.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Bachelor of Science in Physiology from San Francisco State University; Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University; Anesthesiology Residency from RUSH-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center; Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management Fellowship from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Master of Business Administration from Hofstra University, Frank G. Zarb School of Business.

Where are you currently working? Northwell Health, Director of Anesthesia at Melville Surgery Center.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I’m most proud of in my professional career is returning to school full-time after a decade, earning my MBA while maintaining a full-time demanding job. Balancing work and rigorous academic demands has been challenging, yet I managed to excel and achieved a 4.0 GPA. This experience demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning and my ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose Hofstra University’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business for several reasons. As a Physician Leader with Northwell Health, maintaining my full-time position was essential, making an online program necessary. Hofstra’s Online MBA Program is highly-ranked; at the time of my application, it was #28 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report, #33 by Princeton Review, and #52 by Poets and Quants—making it the highest-ranked online MBA program in New York. Additionally, as a Northwell Health affiliate, I was eligible for scholarships to ease the financial burden. Lastly, with Northwell Health’s continued growth on Long Island, earning an MBA from a Northwell affiliate positions me well for future leadership opportunities.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? The online learning environment exceeded my expectations with its high level of interaction and engagement. Discussions proved to be enlightening, providing real-time feedback from both instructors and peers. The online environment, at least from my experience, created a feeling of community and support, enhancing my overall learning experience.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? This question is challenging for me to answer because my last in-class experience was over a decade ago. As an undergraduate and postgraduate student, my classroom experience also included the social aspects of interacting with colleagues and attending classes with friends. Additionally, I was in my 20s at that time and not as focused on my studies as I am now in my 40s.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Study whenever you can find the time. Balancing work, gym, my dog, and having a personal life, I wouldn’t have kept up without carving out study time during busy days. Consistently dedicating 1-hour in the mornings was more effective for me than trying to find a 2-3-hour block later in the evenings.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? My MBA education has prompted me to re-think the way I interact with my colleagues and coworkers. By delving into psychology and workplace dynamics, the MBA program presents alternative approaches to navigating daily work challenges.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? As a recent graduate in December 2023 and currently in the middle of a 3-year contract, I haven’t yet accepted a promotion. However, leadership opportunities arise regularly, and I am confident that there will be chances for advancement in the future.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential program? As a Physician Leader and anesthesiologist with Northwell Health, maintaining my full-time position was essential, making an online program necessary.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: On average, I spent about 2-3 hours per night during the week and 4-6 hours on weekends, depending on upcoming tests, quizzes, or paper deadlines.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to strengthen my leadership and managerial skills, bridging the gap between business and healthcare. By combining my advanced clinical expertise, M.D., with my advanced business acumen (MBA), I aim to influence healthcare policy, support colleagues, and advocate for patients. Ultimately, I aspire to take on greater leadership roles within the Northwell Health system, contributing to its mission to elevate healthcare standards and navigate the complex healthcare landscape.

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