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 | President & CEO, Quinte Health Care
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 five cities - Toronto, Canada, the San Francisco Bay area, USA, Tel Aviv, Israel, 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
Transform your potential
In a competitive market, it takes serious focus, drive and leadership to take your career to the next level. Whether you’re looking to drive change in your organization, grow your business or advance in the healthcare/life sciences sector, we have a range of resources and services to help you achieve your goals.
➔ Download the GEMBA - HLS program brochure.
Prepare for Career Success
27
Rotman faculty members engaged in health-related research
|
20+
Annual events focused on topics in healthcare/life sciences
|
3000+
Attendees at healthcare/life sciences events last year
|
Getting ahead
A degree from the Rotman School prepares you for top jobs in global healthcare and the life sciences. Our high-touch approach and exceptional staff-to-participant ratio means you enjoy personalized attention to help you achieve your career goals.
The program is designed for ambitious professionals who are looking to make the most of their career. While there are many ways to measure the return on investment of the program, our goal is to equip you with a lifelong toolkit you can use to take ownership of and manage your career and professional development long after graduation.
To that end, our dedicated Career Services team is committed to working closely with you to refine your career goals, market yourself efficiently, and network with people in a position to help you reach your targets.
"The career services team is amazing and genuinely interested in getting to know each student and helping them uncover and pursue their optimal career path."
- Jocelyn Milburn, GEMBA-HLS '20, Director, Professional and Industry Relations, Government of Alberta
Ways to engage
Career services provides GEMBA-HLS participants with career support through a range of offerings including:
Individual career coaching (in person or via telephone)
- Self-assessment
- Job search strategy
- Resume and cover letter review
- Networking
- Interview preparation
- Job offer and negotiation advice
- Career advancement strategy
Professional development workshops
- Crafting management planning
- Branding
- Advanced resumes
- Job search strategies
- Networking and relationship building
- Behavioural and technical interview preparation
Online career resources
- Best in class career content
- Valuable research tools
- Webinars and podcasts
- Access to alumni
As a graduate of the Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences program you will also benefit from career support after graduation.
Graduate profiles
Where they landed
Leading companies from across the finance industry seek out Rotman MFin students and graduates for their proven ability to solve tough problems and deliver impressive results.

Atif Zia, GEMBA - HLS '20
President, Novocol Pharma and Duoject Medical Systems
Previous role:
President, Novocol Healthcare, Vice President/General Manager, Septodont
Previous education:
BSc, University of Toronto

Jancy Ali, GEMBA - HLS '20
Senior Specialist Obstetrician, Dubai Health Authority
Previous role:
Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Ministry of Health, UAE
Previous education:
MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, University of Kerala

Kathryn Tinckham, GEMBA - HLS '20
Physician-in-Chief, University Health Network
Previous role:
Program Medical Director (Interim) - Laboratory Medical Program
Previous education:
M.M.Sc., Harvard Medical School

Gopi Nageshwaran, GEMBA - HLS '20
Global Project Head, New Vaccines Portfolio Strategy & Execution, Research & Development, Sanofi Pasteur
Previous role:
Strategy & Planning Lead, Vaccine Epidemiology and Modelling, Sanofi Pasteur
Previous education:
MMBS, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
Learn More
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 2024
52%
Average work experience
14 Years
Average management experience
8 Years
Nationalities represented
Australia
Brazil
China
Canada
Eswantini
France
India
Italy
Philippines
USA
Zimbabwe
Job Titles
33% Director
21% Manager
21% HOD/Chief
21% Other
8% Physician
Profile/Function
46% Administrative leaders
25% Healthcare providers
17% Industry leaders
8% Scientists/researchers
4% Government and policy leaders
Notable employers
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Health
Island Health
University Health Network
JLabs Innovation – Johnson & Johnson
Scarborough Health Network
Mackenzie Health
Mackenzie Health
Ornge
Canadian Red Cross
NSF International
William Osler Health System
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Havas Health and You
ICON plc
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.
Applications are open for this fall and merit awards are still available.
We encourage international students to apply to earlier rounds in order to allow enough time for study permit applications.
Application process
We take a personalized approach to ensure that the program is the right fit for your personal and professional goals. If you have questions, would like to schedule a meeting with our admissions team or would like a pre-assessment of your potential candidacy for the program, we invite you to email us your resume. We will review your qualifications and credentials and contact you within two business days to discuss next steps.