Driving excellence in healthcare and the life sciences
The pace of change in healthcare and the life sciences is accelerating, creating a demand for professionals who can navigate the strategic, technological, social, economic and political, currents that are changing the face of this $8-trillion global industry.
"It is simply a fact that you have to search far and wide for inspirational and innovative solutions to some of the problems that you have in your own backyard."
— Stacey Daub | Vice President, Strategy, Integration & Digital Health, North York General Hospital
Gain the leadership edge you need for an industry where the frontiers are always advancing. This unique healthcare and life sciences focused MBA weaves together thought leadership, practical education and hands-on experience. Designed for working professionals, and offered by one of the world’s pre-eminent universities, this 18-month program will transform the way you think, lead and drive healthcare and life sciences innovations internationally.
Who should apply
The Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences programs will change the way you think, network and do business in some of the world's key markets. The program attracts professionals from industry, care providers, service delivery organizations, consulting firms, public agencies, the sciences and payers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors around the world.
"Not only will you apply best practices from various healthcare systems and global life science companies, you will expand your leadership potential in order to improve healthcare from within."
— Nate Myers, GEMBA-HLS '20, Director, Strategy & Business Planning, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Leadership in healthcare and the life sciences
The 18-month Global Executive MBA in Healthcare and the Life Sciences program offers an innovative curriculum that combines core management skills and practical engagement with deep self-development insights and strategic know-how, all designed for sector.
Travelling to four cities - Toronto, Canada, the San Francisco Bay area, USA, Singapore and London, UK and area - students engage with companies and institutions who are leaders in their areas. You will be exposed to the opportunities and challenges in all areas of healthcare and the life sciences, and ideas that are radically changing the way healthcare is delivered.
Think of the program as a multi-dimensional personal transformation, preparing you to do great things for the future business of healthcare.
—
Atif Zia, GEMBA-HLS '20 |
President, Novocol Pharma
Unlock your full potential
The program will transform your strategic and operational capabilities while giving you the practical tools, creative insights and hands-on experience you need to accelerate your global leadership. After graduation, you will gain access to the powerful alumni networks of the University of Toronto and the Rotman School, and benefit from lifelong career support.
"Rotman has done a tremendous and deliberate job in developing a network with all stakeholders in the care ecosystem. As a student and future leader, you will benefit from leveraging that network."
— Heather Chalmers | President and CEO, GE Canada, MBA '04, Rotman School of Management
Discover our leadership development program, workshops, one-on-one leadership, career coaching, and experiential learning opportunities.
Studies and research
Hospitals that are closer to universities in offering both medical and business education with higher management quality. Supplying joint MBA-healthcare courses may be a way for universities to increase medical business skills and raise clinical performance.
In the news
Business schools have been attempting to meet a need for physicians and scientists seeking to combine their technical backgrounds with a deeper understanding of the business side of healthcare. The Rotman School feels there’s more to be done.
Designing for hospital physician alignment by Brian Golden OHA Magazine
Leaders in healthcare know to align the interests of their employees and staff with those of the organization: to make them partners. The most robust health systems bring physicians into the process and align their interests with those of the hospitals.
Videos
"It takes a really brave leader to challenge the status quo, to challenge the inertia of the status quo, the safety of the status quo, to drive real innovation in the healthcare system."
"One of the greatest opportunities in programs like this is the opportunity to get information-- intelligence, ways of thinking-- that are way beyond our borders."
"People are moving around, but they're finding positions and they're excited about those positions. It's a very dynamic industry. "
Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences class profile: Class of 2021
46% 
54%
Average work experience
16 Years
Average management experience
8.4 Years
Nationalities represented
Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
India
Italy
Nigeria
United Kingdom
United States
Job Titles
31% Director
23% Manager
12% C-Suite
8% Physician
8% President/VP
4% Consultant
15% Other
Profile/Function
31% Administrative leaders
29% Healthcare providers
19% Industry leaders
15% Scientists and researchers
6% Government and policy leaders
Highest level of education
35% Masters
27% Medical degree
19% Undergraduate degree
19% PhD
Notable employers
Bluewater Health
Boston Scientific
Bruyere Continuing Care
Clinton Health Access Initiative
Eastern Health and Memorial University
Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehab
IBS Hospitals
Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics
National Sobeys Pharmacy Group
RamSoft Inc.
Rexall Pharmacy Group
Scarborough Health Network
The Hospital for Sick Children
Trillium Health Partners
University Health Network
University of Toronto
William Osler Health System
World Health Organization
Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences: Why, Where, Who
Read more about the program, and see composite profile information of GEMBA-HLS students over several cohorts.
Admission and next steps
The University of Toronto Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences program uses a rigorous set of admission criteria, based on a combination of academic abilities, interpersonal skills, and employment credentials. We look for high achievers who can already demonstrate significant professional success and potential for advancement.
Application deadlines
We're now accepting applications to start in fall 2021. We encourage you to start the process by sending us your resume for pre-assessment to see if the program is a right fit for you. Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis, and the class may fill at any time.
Application deadlines:
- First deadline: January 20, 2021
- Second deadline: May 26, 2021
Please note the Rotman School is migrating to a new customer database on August 3, 2021. If you have an application in progress, we encourage you to complete and submit it before July 27, 2021, so that we can safely migrate it to our new system. Between July 28 and August 2, 2021 we are unable to accept applications. Please return August 3, 2021 and we will welcome your application into our new system!
Application process
Apply now to start fall 2021. Please send us your resume. We will review your qualifications and credentials and contact you to advise you on your suitability for the program and to discuss next steps.