Grad School Buddy

Season 5 Episode 6: GSB Career Insights on Business Development and Neuroscience (with Awwal Abdullahi)

Not all healthcare decisions happen in a hospital. In this episode, we’re with Awwal Abdullahi, a Business Development and Strategy professional on the Neuroscience team at Medtronic. His work sits at the intersection of healthcare and business, focused on one goal: improving how patients around the world access essential medical technologies. Awwal shares his journey from electrical engineering, to public health, to advising governments across Africa on health system strengthening, and now into the for-profit healthcare space at a medical device company. He breaks down what business development and strategy actually look like in healthcare, how partnerships drive access to care, and why sustainability matters just as much as innovation. For anyone interested in healthcare careers, strategy, or the business side of global health, this episode offers a grounded look into how care is ultimately delivered to the people who need it most. Co-hosts: ebelechukwu monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901711/fan_mail/new]

Season 5 Episode 5: GSB Career Insights on Organic Chemistry with Dr. Andre Isaacs

In this episode of GSB Career Insights, we have a conversation with Dr. Andre Isaacs, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross, to explore his journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming an organic chemist, researcher, and educator transforming how students experience science. Dr. Isaacs shares his story of navigating cultural transitions, academic challenges, and identity in science. He reflects on his undergraduate and PhD journey, the realities of graduate school, and how mentorship played a defining role in his success. Beyond science, this conversation highlights the importance of finding joy in learning, representation in STEM, and staying authentic in spaces that don’t always make room for you. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye & Chukwuebuka Amaji Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901711/fan_mail/new]

Season 5 Episode 4: GSB Career Insights on Public Health Systems and Financial Inclusion with Dr. Adanna Chukwuma

What does it look like to build a career that moves across medicine, public health, and finance? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adanna Chukwuma, Associate Vice President for Economic Growth and Private Sector Engagement at CARE. Dr. Chukwuma shares her journey from studying medicine at the University of Nigeria to working on health system reforms at the World Bank, financial inclusion at Visa, and now leading large-scale development initiatives at CARE. She reflects on how personal experiences on both sides of the healthcare system shaped her perspective and influenced the trajectory of her career. We also discuss her approach to getting into top graduate programs at Oxford and Harvard, including how she navigated missing requirements using strategic preparation and storytelling to strengthen her application. Tune in now to hear her insights on career transitions and helpful tips on getting into competitive graduate programs. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901711/fan_mail/new]

Season 5 Episode 3: GSB Career Insights on Ophthalmology with Dr. Henrietta Ifechukwude (World Glaucoma Day 2026)

In this episode of the GSB Career Insights Series, we explore the field of ophthalmology and the growing importance of eye health awareness. Our guest, Dr. Henrietta Ifechukwude Monye, is an ophthalmologist and public eye health advocate dedicated to preventing blindness and improving access to eye care. She is also the founder of Eyehub Nigeria, an initiative focused on eye health education, early detection, and community engagement. In this conversation, Dr. Monye shares her journey into ophthalmology, the realities of glaucoma, and why early detection is critical in preventing avoidable blindness. She also discusses the work being done through Eyehub Nigeria to improve awareness and access to eye care services across communities. Tune in for insights into the field of ophthalmology, and how advocacy, research, and clinical practice can come together to improve public health outcomes. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901711/fan_mail/new]

Season 5 Episode 2: GSB's Career Insights on Credit Risk Management with Temitope Kazeem

Ever wondered how banks decide who gets a loan, and who doesn’t?  In this episode, we sit down with Temitope, a credit risk and financial services professional with an MBA, experienced in advising banks across the UK and international markets. Credit risk management (CRM) determines who banks lend to, how much risk they take, and how they do it responsibly. Temitope explains how CRM balances regulatory compliance, responsible lending, and financial inclusion, and shares why sometimes saying “no” to a loan is the most responsible decision a bank can make. We discuss how Temitope transitioned from a non-finance background into credit risk management, the entry-level opportunities available, essential skills, and the evolving future of the profession. Whether you’re exploring a career in finance or curious about how lending decisions are made, tune in for practical insights and career advice from a credit risk expert. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji   If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more on the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1901711/fan_mail/new]