Scott Lain, Healthcare Consultant, Milliman

By Evan Francis, Kelley Undergraduate Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation & College of Arts & Sciences Pre-Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Class of 2025

On Friday, February 16th, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the nuances of the Life Science’s Industry Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and let me tell you, it was an enlightening journey! 💡💼

Learning about the broad consequences of this act and how it intertwines every aspect of the life sciences industry has given me valuable insights into how policy decisions can have many adverse impacts while attempting to be beneficial to all parties involved. ✍

Moderator: David Shenberger, Vice President, Strategic Development, CAI; Diane Hilligoss, Associate Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Value and Access, Eli Lily & Company; Scott Ford, Healthcare Tax Practice Leader/Partner, Crowe LLP; Lisa Joldersma, Founder and President, Birch Point Strategies; Barrett Tenbarge, General Counsel for Ranking Member Cassidy, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee

Christina Fugate, Angela Rinehart, and Matt Kelly of Ice Miller LLP

Growing my understanding of this current bill and how it impacts customers, insurance providers, pharmaceutical companies, as well as their entire supply chain was a riveting experience.

Thanks so much to Indiana University and The Business of Life Sciences Program here for allowing students with an interest to dive deep int these industries prior to graduation! Especially grateful to all the different panelists with their differentiated experiences and breadth of knowledge regarding this topic taking time out of their Friday to pour into us students as well as other professionals.

I’m truly grateful for the chance to cultivate extensive knowledge about this industry and look forward to applying these insights towards my future career within the Life Sciences field. 🔬

Bill Nihill, Director – U.S. Market Access Pipeline Strategy, AbbVie;  Alex Wolfe, Sr. Director – Government Strategy and Analytics, Eli Lilly & Company; Abigail Lore, Director of Innovation Policy, PhRMA; Leigh Purvis, Prescription Drug Policy Principal, Public Policy Institute, AARP; Brian Tabor, President, Indiana Hospital Association

Special thanks to all who make all these amazing conferences/events happen! Here’s to continuous learning and growth!

Audience enjoying the discussion.

Presentations

Luncheon Keynote:  Legal Challenges to the Bill – Christina Fugate, Angela Rinehart and Matt Kelly, Ice Miller LLP

Panel: Effects on Industry Segments

Abigail Lore, PhRMA

Leigh Purvis, AARP

Brian Tabor, Indiana Hospital Association

Thanks so much to all the corporate partners and those involved to plan this event!

Written by George Vlahakis

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – While the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act has had immediate impact on the delivery of health care, in coming years it will indirectly impact patients, providers, and companies in the life sciences industry.

Just this week, the Biden administration announced the 10 prescription drugs that have been selected for Medicare price negotiations. Other changes will come through changing incentives for market participants. Helping Hoosiers to cut through some of the clutter and understand the law’s impact is a Feb. 16 conference presented by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

The conference, “Industry Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act,” will take place on Friday, February 16 at Ice Miller LLP, One Indiana Square, in Indianapolis. It is part of the Indiana Life Sciences Collaboration Series, presented by the Kelley School’s Center for the Business of Life Sciences.

“Several sections of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act involved healthcare,” said George Telthorst, the center’s director. “Among these are Medicare drug price negotiations, changes to Medicare Parts B and D, and continued ACA marketplace subsidies. Organizations are analyzing the effects on their operations and updating their strategic plans to respond accordingly.

“We are looking forward to hearing from various stakeholders from across the industry who will share their perspectives on the law’s current and future effects on healthcare plans, product portfolios and patient choices and costs.”

Presenters will include Scott Lain, a healthcare consultant in the Indianapolis office of Milliman, who at 9:15 a.m. will present the conference’s opening keynote, “Fundamentals of the Inflation Reduction Act’s Impact on Medicare.”

Other presenters will include Scott Ford, Healthcare Tax Practice leader and partner at Crowe LLP; Diane Hilligoss, associate vice president and assistant general counsel, value and access at Eli Lilly; Lisa Joldersma, founder and president of Birch Point Strategies; and Barrett Tenbarge, general counsel for Ranking Member and U.S. Sen Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

Led by David Shenberger, vice president of strategic development at CAI, they will discuss macro perspectives of the law.

A luncheon keynote featuring a panel of legal experts from Ice Miller will focus on legal challenges to the bill.

In the afternoon, a panel led by Bill Nihill, director of U.S. market access pipeline strategy at AbbVie, will discuss the law impact on industry segments. Panelists will be Alex Wolfe, director of government strategy and analytics at Eli Lilly; Abigail Lore, director of innovation policy at Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA); and Brian Tabor, president of the Indiana Hospital Association.

The Center for the Business of Life Sciences brings together key players from industry, academia, government, and economic development communities to share ideas and expertise. It drives the Kelley School’s life sciences agenda and provides connections to its outreach and research activity and its academic programs.

This is the second event in the 2023-24 conference series. The final event, “Tech: Don’t Be Afraid of Healthcare,” will take place on April 19 at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute in 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis.

The registration fee is $175 for each individual conference and lunch is included. Registration can be done online or by contacting Kelli Conder at the Kelley School at 812-856-0915 or kconder@indiana.edu. Full-time students an at accredited Indiana institution of higher learning may qualify for a student discount. Contact Conder for more information.

Series sponsors are Commissioning Agents, Inc., Elevance Health, Lilly, LabCorp and Reckitt Benckiser. Primary sponsors are AbbVie, Catalent, Crowe LLP and Ice Miller LLP. supporting sponsors BioCrossroads, Blueprint Marketing Group,  and Miles Printing,

Marketing sponsors are the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Health Information Exchange, IU Office of University Relations, and Linking Pharma Women.

Interview by Deepti Singh, MBA ’24 Candidate

2nd Year MBA Ruan Dos Santos

Ruan Dos Santos – Corporate Finance at Elevance Health

What company did you intern with this summer? Which program and/or functional area were you a part of?

I interned at Elevance Health, in Corporate Finance. I worked as an audit intern in the Risk, Controls, and Assurance (RCA) team.

What brought you this role/ company?

I developed my career in the healthcare industry, back in Brazil, specifically with a technical expertise, and I wanted to have a summer internship in a broader set, but in the same industry. To be honest, I didn’t realize at first that Elevance used to be Anthem and had changed the name less than a year before, but I was surprised when I discovered that the company was among the top 20 Fortune 500 companies, and among the largest health insurance companies.

What project(s) did you work on?

In my project I collaborated with the due diligence process, working with cross-functional teams and external auditors to review and analyze financial statements, contracts, and other relevant documents to assess risks and opportunities of the company.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome, and what did you learn from it?

The biggest challenge was to understand the “why” behind the numbers and reports. Healthcare is a huge sector of the U.S. economy, with a fragmented system that was completely new to me. So, learning about deductibles, premiums, drug prescription system, Medicare, Medicaid, and other components of this complex environment in a fast pace was challenging. Nonetheless, this was so meaningful and made me look at my role and carry my responsibilities with a different perspective.

How was your experience networking with different colleagues at your company?

Networking was the best part of my experience. It sounds cheesy, but it’s absolutely true: it’s not about the place, it’s not about the product, it’s about the people. And I had a great privilege to network with senior leaders, to learn from them, to have a coach guiding me since my first week, that helped me navigate through the different areas and connect with different teams, in summary, to learn from experienced and brilliant minds that were willing to help me make my internship memorable.

Has this experience changed your overall career goals? Did you identify any skills that you would like to develop as you return for the second year of the MBA program?

This experience helped me realize how big the spectrum is in the Healthcare industry, with a lot of great opportunities. It did not change my career goals; it helped me open my view and broaden my possibilities. In terms of skills, I was fortunate enough to work with executive leadership that showed remarkable planning skills and strategic thinking abilities. The interactions we had made me eager to return for the second year of the MBA program and look for opportunities to plan strategically, to balance opportunities and risk, while creating value for the customers and the company.

Are there any suggestions you would give to future students that are about to begin their summer internship?

Ask questions, from the very beginning. Of course, do your homework, do your research, get familiar with the company’s offering, but don’t spend too much time trying to figure things out on your own. Leverage the network opportunities to learn from those you work with. They are more than willing to help and guide you, take advantage of this.

Summary by Rex Rumsey and Sanjay Sukumar, Kelley MBA Class of ’24

Morning panel discuss provider perspectives and initiatives

On December 1, 2023, the Center for Life Sciences at IU Kelley School of Business hosted a business conference focused on closing the gap in health inequalities. The event, part of an ongoing series, was held at the Roche facility. Key sponsors included CAI, Elevance Health, Lab Corp, Eli Lilly, and Reckitt. Primary sponsors Boston Scientific, Cook Medical, Indiana CTSI, Deloitte, and Roche, alongside supporting sponsors BioCrossroads, Blueprint Marketing Group, and Miles. The conference began with a welcome address by Brian Moore, Medical Affairs Executive Director at Genentech, who emphasized the importance of achieving equality in healthcare. The opening keynote by Professor Paul K. Halverson, the founding Dean of IU Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, set the stage for the day. The session defined the health inequalities and associated challenges in life sciences, sparking insightful discussions. Two panel discussions and a luncheon keynote followed.

Dr. Paul K. Halverson presenting the morning keynote.

Opening Keynote – Defining Health Inequalities by Paul K. Halverson

Paul K. Halverson, Professor & Founding Dean, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University

View Halverson Presentation

The opening keynote by Mr. Halverson set a comprehensive foundation for the subsequent discussions, particularly by defining the concept of inequality in the context of healthcare delivery. He initiated with a fundamental question—why does public health matter—and touched upon critical themes, including the influence of wealth on accessing care and the surprising role of one’s residential zipcode as a predictor of health and life expectancy. Mr. Halverson spotlighted a noteworthy issue—the United States is lagging behind other OECD countries despite spending more on healthcare. He attributed 75% of healthcare spending in the US to preventable conditions, while less than 5% is allocated for prevention and public health initiatives. His emphasis on allocating more budget towards proactive measures rather than reactive spending on illness was a key takeaway.

Introducing a clear definition of public health at the outset provided a solid framework for the proceedings. Mr. Halverson proceeded to outline the existing public health systems and highlighted ten significant recent public health achievements. Notably, he delved into Indiana’s and the US’s positions in health rankings, identifying areas for improvement. He concluded the session by elucidating Governor Holcomb’s Public Health Commission, its responsibilities, and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that counties must adhere to for participation in the initiative.

Morning panel discuss provider perspectives and initiatives.

Panel – Provider Perspective and Initiatives

Moderator: Marsha Weiner, Director Project Management Office, Boston Scientific
Panelists:
-Brownsyne Tucker Edomonds, MD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology;Associate Dean for Health Equity Research, IU School of Medicine; Chief Health Equity Officer, IU Health
-Edmond Davis, Senior Director, Health Equity, Zimmer Biomet
-Tedd Grain, Vice President & Director of Social Determinants of Health, Eskanazi Health Foundation & Eskanazi Health View Grain Presentation
-Claudia Marquez, PhD, Scientific Liaison, Molecular Lab & Infectious Disease, Roche Diagnostics

Following the impactful keynote, a panel discussion unfolded, focusing on provider perspectives and initiatives. Marsha Weiner, Director PMO at Boston Scientific, skillfully moderated the session. The panel comprised Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, M.D, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Associate Dean for Health Equity Research at IU School of Medicine, as well as VP and Chief Health Equity Officer at IU Health. Edmond Davis, Senior Director, Health Equity at Zimmer Biomet, Tedd Grain, VP and Director of Social Determinants of Health at Eskenazi Health Foundation & Eskenazi Health, and Claudia Marquez, PhD, Scientific Liaison, Molecular Lab and Infection Disease, Roche Diagnostics.

Dr. Edmonds passionately defined health equity as providing a fair chance for optimal well-being. She stressed the need to eliminate barriers like poverty and discrimination, addressing their profound impacts on access to resources. IU Health’s commitment to this cause was highlighted through the “STEEEP” framework, emphasizing Equity as the third ‘E.’ This guide outlines collaborative efforts among partners dedicated to achieving health equity. Edmonds outlined three pillars supporting IU Health’s commitment: equitable access, experience, and outcomes of care. Additionally, she introduced the Health Equity Quality Improvement (HEQI) initiative, incorporated into the Promise Dashboard in 2023. Components like CHECK-IT, iHEART, and Real Data were detailed, emphasizing IU Health’s dedication to ongoing improvement in health equity through measurable and impactful initiatives.

Edmond Davis, the second panelist, highlighted Zimmer Biomet’s progressive C3 (Community Centered Care) initiative, placing patients at the core of the company’s operations. He expressed active efforts to operationalize equitable services, aligning with the company’s mission. The C3 initiative aims to improve access to quality care in underserved communities, leveraging orthopedic innovation for better patient outcomes. Davis shared insights into addressing social determinants of health, focusing on non-medical factors like stress, socio-economic issues, and education. The presentation revealed that these social determinants can impact up to 80% of health outcomes. Davis presented metrics highlighting the influence of social factors on individual care levels, stressing the importance of a holistic healthcare approach. Concluding his presentation, Davis detailed Zimmer Biomet’s 5-pronged approach to implementing the C3 initiative’s vision.

The final panelist, Tedd Grain, detailed Eskenazi Health’s robust initiatives to ensure health equity. He explained Eskenazi Health’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) objectives and showcased a map illustrating the Indianapolis Social Vulnerability Index. Eskenazi Health is transitioning from patient-level care to community-level interventions, establishing a Health Equity Zone. This initiative aims to foster a healthy neighborhood through a shared vision and joint implementation of health goals. Grain elaborated on the expansion of services, including Community Weavers, Community Health Workers, and the Fresh for You Market at the Basile Pavilion, along with the innovative Fresh for You Market on Wheels.

Luncheon Keynote – Snapshots of Ongoing Initiatives

Moderator: Todd Blake, Managing Director, Healthcare Information Technology, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Panelists:
-Paige Bingham, Director, Close the Gap, Boston Scientific View Bingham Presentation
-Beth Evans, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Aging and In-Home Services of NE IN View Evans Presentation
-Gregory Garrett, Deputy Director, United Northeast Development Corporation
-Ariana McGee, Founder & CEO, Navigate Maternity View McGee Presentation
-Holly Wood, Senior Director, Health Equity Initiative, Purdue University View Wood Presentation

The luncheon keynote, moderated by Todd Blake, MD, Healthcare Information Technology at Deloitte Consulting, featured a distinguished panel. Panel members included Paige Bingham, Director of Close the Gap; Ariana McGee, Founder and CEO of Navigate Maternity; Holly Wood, Senior Director of Health Equity Initiative at Purdue University; and Beth Evans, representing Ground Game.

Ms. Bingham conveyed Close the Gap team’s vision of eradicating inequities in life-and-limb-saving care, particularly focusing on women and people of color. She presented compelling metrics revealing barriers to care that result in heart and vascular treatment disparities for these groups. Ms. Bingham outlined the team’s strategic shift from mere action to tangible impact by identifying care disparities, championing change, and transparently sharing outcomes. The team is actively developing an action plan centered on building community trust and instigating systemic change, emphasizing a commitment to transforming the landscape of healthcare disparities.

Ariana McGee of Navigate Maternity presents on their FDA device to monitor at risk pregnancies.

Ms. McGee, the subsequent speaker, elucidated the driving forces behind the establishment of her company, Navigate Maternity. She highlighted the concerning challenges faced by mothers during delivery, citing CDC data revealing a doubling of maternal deaths since 1986, with over 80% being preventable due to gaps in key clinical data resulting in inadequate maternal care. She delved into the key features of Navigate Maternity products, explaining their functionality and competitive advantages. Ms. McGee also outlined the innovative business model that underpins Navigate Maternity’s approach to addressing critical gaps in maternal care, emphasizing the company’s commitment to improving outcomes for expectant mothers.

Ms. Wood, the following speaker, detailed the healthcare equity initiatives at Purdue University. She explained how her team addresses the root causes of inequality, emphasizing that the health equity model is deeply embedded in Purdue’s policies and programs. She further elaborated on her team’s approach to improving health literacy, emphasizing being “INFORMED BY LIVED EXPERIENCES.” This involved 116 contacts with patients through 37 listening sessions. Ms. Wood showcased Purdue University’s commitment to fostering health equity by actively engaging with communities and leveraging real-life experiences to drive meaningful change.

Ms. Evans, the concluding speaker, provided an overview of the initiatives at Ground Game aimed at addressing the unmet needs of patients. She highlighted the organization’s proven Last Mile Solution at Scale, emphasizing its ability to identify and close member gaps effectively. Ms. Evans shared impactful case studies, illustrating how Ground Game’s initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of real people on the ground. Additionally, she presented metrics showcasing the organization’s significant outreach and quantifying the number of individuals they have successfully assisted.

Afternoon panel discuss payer perspectives and initiatives.

Panel – Payer Perspective and Initiatives

Moderator: Jenn Kowalski, Vice President, Public Policy Institute, Elevance Health
Panel:
-Antoniette Holt, MPH, Division Director Office of Minority Health, Indiana Department of Health View Holt Presentation
-Darryl Lockett, Health Equity Director, Anthem Indiana Medicaid
-Andy Vetor, President of Benefits Consulting & Chief Growth Officer, MJ Insurance

The payer discussion was moderated by Jenn Kowalski, VP of the Public Policy Institute at Elevance Health, and featured the following members: Darryl Lockett, Health Equity Director at Anthem Indiana Medicaid; Antoinette Holt, Division Director Office of Minority Health for IU; and Andy Vetor, President of Benefits Consulting and Chief Growth Officer Insurance at MJ insurance.

Mr. Lockett initiated the discussion with a memorable story about not only saving those drowning in water, but swimming upstream to find out why the water is there in the first place. The next person to speak was Mrs. Holt with the mission to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers. Mrs. Holt challenged individuals to not only focus on health outcome disparities, like higher rates obesity, diabetes, and cancer, but to evaluate the roots of inequity, grounded in things like socioeconomic issues like poverty, discrimination, unemployment. To solve these issues, Indiana launched county initiatives like Health First to provide funding for evidence-based programs aimed at preventing negative health outcomes. Other groups, like Together We Will, have been dedicated to funding community projects that impact public health imperatives like access, COVID-19 hesitancy, environmental justice, maternal mortality, mental health, systematic barriers, substance abuse, and violence.

Mr. Vetor wrapped up the discussion speaking about MJ Insurance’s impact when it comes to promoting health equity. MJ Insurance is dedicated to helping employers optimize insurance plans for their employees and their business goals. Since most Americans are employed through their employers, Mr. Vetor believes that businesses have an important responsibility to design an optimal insurance plan that serves its employees and educates them on their health benefits. Mr. Vetor also highlighted the importance of closing gaps in healthcare, stratifying data to understanding nuances that contribute to inequality, and utilizing data to help HCPs maximize health outcomes through preventative care.

Brian Moore of Genentech and Mary Giesel of Aspire Health networking.

Tedd Grain of Esanazki Health & Foundation, Ariana McGee of Navigate Maternity and Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds network.

Kendall Law, Kelley MBA ’24 introduces himself to Darryl Lockett of Anthem Indiana Medicaid

Wrap-up

George Telthorst, Senior Lecturer at Indiana University and Director of the Life Sciences Academy, delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers whose support made the event possible. He highlighted that the series would continue with more conferences, he next being on February 16 on the Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act hosted by Ice Miller LLP at OneAmerica Tower in Indianapolis. The Center for the Business of Life Sciences at the Kelley School of Business brings together students, academia life sciences companies and corporate partners to foster talent and ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the life sciences community.

November 13, 2023 written by George Vlahakis

The conference will examine ongoing efforts to improve both the delivery of healthcare and health-related social factors like access to healthy foods. (Getty Image)

 

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Kelley School of Business is hosting a conference on Dec. 1 focusing on widespread inequities in health and wellness among different populations and ongoing efforts in the state to address them.

Dr. Paul K. Halverson, founding dean of the Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, who has served as senior health advisor for the state health commissioners as well as the governor’s office, will open the conference as keynote speaker.

The conference, “Closing the Gap of Health Inequalities,” will take place at Roche Diagnostics, 9115 Hague Rd, on the northeast side of Indianapolis. It is part of the Indiana Life Sciences Collaboration Series, presented by the Kelley School’s Center for the Business of Life Sciences.

“Addressing the persistent disparities in health and wellness is an issue that can’t be ignored. While the healthcare cost implications are significant, the societal and economic implications are even more so,” said George Telthorst, the center’s director.

“This conference will examine ongoing efforts to improve both the delivery of healthcare and health-related social factors like access to healthy foods, access to transportation and safe neighborhoods, which influence health outcomes.”

Paul Halverson

Halverson will present the conference’s opening keynote, “Defining Health Inequities,” at 9:15 am.

Other presenters will include Paige Bingham, director of Close the Gap, a health equity initiative supported by Boston Scientific; Ariana McGee, founder and CEO of Navigate Maternity, a Fort Wayne-based company that produces a wearable intuitive monitoring system that collects data and notifies providers when there are significant or alarming patient changes, and Holly Wood, senior director of Purdue University’s Equity Health Initiative.

Participating on a panel discussion about provider perspective and initiatives will be Edmond Davis, senior director for health equity at Zimmer Biomet; Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology and associate dean for health equity research at the IU School of Medicine and vice president and chief health equity officer at IU Health; and  Tedd Grain, vice president of social determinants of health at Eskenazi Health Foundation and Eskenazi Health. Marsha Weiner, director,  project management office at Boston Scientific, will moderate.

A second panel looking at the payer’s perspective will feature Antoniette Holt, division director of the Office of Minority Health at the Indiana Department of Health; Darryl Lockett, health equity director at Anthem Indiana Medicaid; Andy Vetor, president of benefits consulting and chief growth officer at MJ Insurance. Jenn Kowalski, vice president of the Public Policy Institute at Elevance Health, will moderate.

Halverson joined the Fairbanks School of Public Health in 2013 as the first dean of a newly established school. The school was created in September 2012 through a $20 million endowment from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and a $1 million feasibility study from Eli Lilly and Company. In his role, he has served as a senior health advisor for the state health commissioners as well as the governor’s office, and led the Indiana Health Systems Review, which led to a role in the Governor’s Public Health Commission. In addition, Halverson led the creation of an academic health department within the Marion County Public Health Department, led by Dr. Virginia Caine.

He recently was appointed as dean and professor at the School of Public Health at the Oregon Health & Science University and Portland State University, and this conference will be one of his last public appearances in Indiana. Earlier this month, he was awarded one of the highest distinctions in the state of Indiana, the Sagamore of the Wabash. The award is the highest bestowed by the governor of Indiana and is a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state.

The Center for the Business of Life Sciences brings together key players from industry, academia, government, and economic development communities to share ideas and expertise. It drives the Kelley School’s life sciences agenda and provides connections to its outreach and research activity and its academic programs.

This is the first event in the 2023-24 conference series. Here is the schedule for the remaining events:

• Feb 16, 2024, at Ice Miller LLP in Indianapolis – “Industry Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act.” Various stakeholders from across the industry will share their perspectives on the law’s current and future effects on healthcare plans, product portfolios and patient choices and costs.
• April 19, 2024, at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute in 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis – “Tech: Don’t Be Afraid of Healthcare!” Close observers and “those in the trenches” will provide analysis of Big Tech companies like Microsoft and Alphabet and their attempts to expand into healthcare.

The registration fee is $450 for the series or $175 for individual conference and lunch is included. Registration can be done online or by contacting Kelli Conder at the Kelley School at 812-856-0915 or kconder@indiana.edu. Full-time students an at accredited Indiana institution of higher learning may qualify for a student discount. Contact Conder for more information.

Series sponsors are Commissioning Agents, Inc., Elevance Health, Lilly, LabCorp and Reckitt Benckiser. Primary sponsors are AbbVie, Boston Scientific, Catalent, Cook, Crowe, Deloitte, Fort Wayne Metals, hc1, Indiana BioSciences Research Institute, Ice Miller, the Indiana Clinical and Transitional Sciences Institute, Paragon Medical, Roche, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and Zimmer Biomet as well as supporting sponsors Blueprint Marketing, Indiana Health Information Exchange, Miles Printing, Roche and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP.

Marketing sponsors are the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Health Information Exchange, IU Office of University Relations, and Linking Pharma Women.

Lane Holmes, Kelley Life Sciences MBA Class of ’24 & J&J summer ’23 intern.

Interview by Deepti Singh, Kelley Life Sciences MBA Class of ’24

 Which program and/or functional area of Johnson & Johnson were you a part of?

I was a part of the MedTech Marketing Leadership Development Program.

What brought you this role/ company?

A Kelley MBA alum introduced this opportunity to me at the Kelley Round Tables last fall. I continued to network with him, and he introduced me to many others who had gone through the same program. Eventually, I met and interviewed with some employees at the MBA Veterans Conference in Atlanta last October. After these interviews and the following 2^nd round interviews, I was offered the internship position.

What project(s) did you work on?

I collaborated with an external agency to update a medical device educational program, and I created content for presentations and videos that inform health care professionals on innovations in surgical stapling. Additionally, I provided a content rollout plan and asset recommendation designed to increase the educational program’s customer engagement.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome, and what did you learn from it?

My biggest challenge was the steep learning curve of the healthcare industry. I had no experience working in healthcare, and I had to find a way to quickly ramp-up my healthcare knowledge so that I could add value to the project by the end of the 12-week internship. I dedicated many hours to learn about medical terminology, surgeries, the company’s products, and healthcare regulations. Fortunately, I had a great team to support me. The other marketing managers helped my learning curve and answered all my questions. It felt like everyone at J&J wanted to see me succeed. I learned that I can learn a lot from those around me if I spend time building relationships with my co-workers and helping them in any way I can.

How was your experience networking with different colleagues at your company?

Johnson & Johnson is a very people-oriented organization. Employees are expected to get to know those they work with to build a strong team. I was able to meet with every person I was interested in talking with. This includes outside of my team including employees in various leadership and cross-functional roles across the organization. Additionally, I had fun getting to know my colleagues outside of work at various fun events in Cincinnati. We went to lunches, professional sports games, kayaking, and other team building events throughout my summer.

Has this experience changed your overall career goals? Did you identify any skills that you would like to develop as you return for the second year of the MBA program?

This experience didn’t change my career goals necessarily, but it helped confirm what I thought to be most valuable aspects of my professional career. Working in an industry that serves a higher purpose and being on a team with a good culture are my biggest priorities.

I did identify a few skills I would like to develop in my second year at Kelley. I redesigned my class schedule to help me fine-tune my financial and business analytic skills.

Are there any suggestions you would give to future students that are about to begin their summer internship?

I suggest future students should spend time identifying what their top career priorities are, develop real relationships with co-workers, and provide meaningful value on your project!

Interview by Deepti Singh

MBA Class of 2024

Grant Lewis, MBA Class of 2024, Deloitte Intern ’23

Grant Lewis – Deloitte Summer Associate

What company did you intern with this summer? Which program and/or functional area were you a part of?

I interned with Deloitte this summer. I was a part of the Strategy & Analytics Offering Portfolio team.

What brought you this role/ company?

I am interested in consulting because it gives me an opportunity to explore diverse experiences, working with a wide range of clients, industries, and business functions. As I networked, I was impressed with the level of expertise at Deloitte in areas I was interested in, and I felt immersing myself amongst these leaders would help accelerate my learning and development. Finally, I would classify myself as a problem solver at heart, and consulting allows me to tackle difficult and multifaceted issues that clients face.

More specifically in terms of Deloitte, throughout the networking process I was impressed with how the firm was supportive of my journey and listened to my goals. I developed strong relationships with the Deloitte team, and I felt that I fit into the culture. Additionally, Deloitte also has a strong presence in life sciences & healthcare, which is the industry I am most interested in. I connected with a few leaders during the recruiting process in this industry that I really trusted and wanted to work with.

What project(s) did you work on?

I worked on a health equity project with an NGO. The project was focused on aligning leaders across industry, government, and civil society to invest and address health disparities. My role was to help quantify the impact of health equity investments at the organization and society level. I did this by developing tools and dashboards to help companies measure and visualize their impact.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome, and what did you learn from it?

The biggest challenge I had to overcome was coming up to speed quickly on international ESG reporting standards. The verbiage in some of these standards is complex and detailed, so it was important I understood them so I could be effective in my role.

How was your experience networking with different colleagues at your company?

My experience networking with different colleagues at Deloitte was positive. The internship experience allowed me to connect with practitioners in a variety of offering portfolios and industries. Everyone was responsive, kind, and eager to share about their Deloitte journey. Through my networking, I was able to seek out opportunities across the firm, and even picked up an internal initiative in the Life Science R&D practice. The many conversations with practitioners gave me clarity on the industries and engagements I wanted to pursue upon my return.

Has this experience changed your overall career goals? Did you identify any skills that you would like to develop as you return for the second year of the MBA program?

This internship did not change my career goals, it confirmed them. Going into this internship I was leaning towards pursuing a career in consulting, and I now have clarity Deloitte is the best next step in my career.

I have identified new skills that I would like to develop in the second year of my MBA program. Tactically, being efficient in commonly used software tools will allow me to transition smoother into a full-time role. In terms of other skills, I want to refine my coaching ability and ability to manage client relationships. I feel those two skills will be critical at the Sr. Consultant level, and I am seeking out initiatives this year, like Globase, which allow me to test both skills.

Are there any suggestions you would give to future students that are about to begin their summer internship?

My advice is to have a voice and bring a fresh perspective, because your company will listen.