By: Allison Currie
Recognizing the clear alignment and wealth of possibilities associated with such a partnership, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub first recruited students from the Dalhousie University MBA program in the fall of 2021. The collaboration was so successful that students continued to join the team in 2023 and 2024, with several transitioning to full-time roles.
Meet MBA student and 2024 Health Innovation Hub intern Jessica Basta.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am an MBA student with a strong foundation in biochemistry. My career journey has been diverse, encompassing roles in research, hospitality, sales and entrepreneurship. This background has equipped me with a unique perspective and a versatile skill set. I am passionate about merging my science and business backgrounds to drive innovation and create meaningful impacts. I thrive on helping others, embracing new challenges, and continually expanding my knowledge.
Who or what inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my dad who had a lifetime dedicated to healthcare and raising his family. He has taught me the value of hard work, integrity and perseverance. He immigrated twice and travelled the world for work giving him a respect for different cultures and experiences which he instilled in me. His example has shown me that nothing is out of reach if I remain persistent and dedicated and to always stay true to my values. His work has guided my passion for working hard, caring for those around you and saying yes to new experiences.
What attracted you to the MBA program at Dalhousie?
I was drawn to Dalhousie's MBA program because of its range of opportunities and its proven track record in empowering students with scientific backgrounds to excel in the business world. The program's emphasis on practical learning, combined with its strong connections to industry leaders, offers a unique platform for developing the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in various business environments. With a background in science and varied experience in research, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, I wanted a master's program that would equip me with versatile skills applicable across multiple industries. Dalhousie's MBA program stood out as the perfect fit to bridge my existing expertise with new business acumen, providing a solid foundation for a dynamic and adaptable career path.
What attracted you to the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub?
I was attracted to the Health Innovation Hub because of the impactful projects they undertake. It offers a unique opportunity to leverage my combined science and business backgrounds to contribute meaningfully to healthcare innovation in Nova Scotia. I have experience in cardiac research and had the opportunity to collaborate on innovative projects in cardiology. This allowed me to work closely with experts and contribute to advancements in cardiovascular health. The prospect of collaborating on cutting-edge initiatives that can improve healthcare outcomes is both exciting and fulfilling, making this an ideal environment for me to apply my skills and make a significant difference.
What do you feel was your greatest learning or achievement while at the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub?
My greatest achievement at the Health Innovation Hub was discovering the work I enjoy and excel at. The wide range of projects I worked on allowed me to try new things and expand my skill set. I worked on projects that integrated new technologies, improved current processes, and improved equity and access to healthcare for Nova Scotians. Collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds was incredibly rewarding, significantly enhancing my ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
What do you think the future of healthcare innovation looks like?
The problems that healthcare systems are facing are complex in nature, so the future of healthcare innovation involves the collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups who can collectively break down these complex problems and come up with the best solutions. By looking at successful models from other provinces and internationally, we can stay ahead of the curve and implement innovative solutions. Continuous testing and experimentation with new ideas will help to create an environment where innovation thrives and leads to improved healthcare outcomes.
What are your ideal next steps on your educational/career path?
My ideal next steps include obtaining my project management certification, which will enhance my ability to lead and manage complex projects effectively. I am open to work in any industry that I can utilize and further develop my skills. During my time at Nova Scotia Health, I enjoyed learning about technology and Artificial Intelligence integration and would be interested to explore this further in my future career development. I am committed to continuous growth and learning, seeking opportunities that challenge me and push me out of my comfort zone. I’m working to develop a well-rounded skill set and make meaningful contributions in my future career endeavors.
