HSM Student Profile: Hye Ri Lee
Prior education: Cornell University, Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: South Korea
Before Fuqua
I began my career in HR at Bristol Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey. Later, I spent the majority of my professional journey at Samsung Biologics, a contract manufacturing organization in Korea. My roles spanned various HR functions, including HR M&A, total rewards, and talent acquisition initiatives, providing me with a broad perspective on the intersection of business and people management.
Why did you choose Fuqua?
I was drawn to Fuqua primarily because of its Health Sector Management (HSM) program and the unparalleled opportunity to immerse myself in the healthcare environment from both industry and academic perspectives. A few months before starting my application, I visited Research Triangle Park (RTP) on a business trip and was captivated by its growth as a dynamic biotech hub. Upon arriving at Fuqua, the school’s strong partnerships with healthcare companies and industry leaders nationwide further solidified my decision. I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from such a diverse array of perspectives. Moreover, unlike my undergraduate institution, where the medical school was hours away, Fuqua offers the unique advantage of being in close proximity to Duke Hospital and Medicine/Nursing School. This, combined with the opportunity to engage with exceptional faculty deeply connected to and actively shaping the US healthcare ecosystem, makes the experience truly unparalleled.
Why did you decide to pursue the HSM Certificate?
My journey in healthcare began as a patient, which sparked my passion for this field. After spending several years in HR, I realized that I wanted to move closer to the patient experience. The HSM program offered the perfect pathway to understand the complexities of the healthcare system while aligning with my aspirations. Being part of the HSM community has been incredibly inspiring, as it is filled with individuals who bring invaluable real-world healthcare experience and are deeply committed to advancing the field and improving patient outcomes.
What has been your favorite health care course or experience at Fuqua?
Without a doubt, HSM Bootcamp stands out as a favorite. It was eye-opening to witness the vastness and complexity of the U.S. healthcare system. Despite having eight years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, I was amazed at how much of that experience could be encapsulated into just one hour of a full-week course. It was a powerful reminder of the incredible depth and breadth of knowledge we’re gaining at Fuqua. Now that I’ve nearly completed my core courses, I am especially excited for the spring semester, which is filled with healthcare-focused classes such as: the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (for-credit experiential learning) with an oncology firm, Biotech and Pharma Strategy, Management of Health Systems and Policy, and Marketing of Health and Wellness, to name a few.