MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership alumni spotlight: Jehanzeb Ilahi and Suzanne Schmidt begin their DPhil in Primary Health Care

About the authors

Jehanzeb Ilahi is Managing Director at Index Partners; a strategic advisory company focused on the global pharmaceutical industry. Jehanzeb is an expert in Medical Affairs transformation, evidence generation strategy and market access strategy. Jehanzeb has an MSc in Healthcare Leadership from Brown University and has completed the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership course at the University of Oxford, run jointly by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Saïd Business School. Jehanzeb is newly enrolled in the DPhil in Primary Health Care programme at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

Suzanne Huszagh Schmidt is a Client Success Director at Included Health, a company that delivers personalised, all-in-one healthcare. In her role as a client success leader in health technology, Suzanne partners with Fortune 100 organisations on their employee health and well-being strategies, impacting over a million people. Suzanne completed her B.S. Health Care Management & Policy at Georgetown University and recently completed the MSc Global Healthcare Leadership, run jointly by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. Suzanne is now undertaking a DPhil in Primary Health Care at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences.

MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership experience

Jehanzeb and Suzanne reflect on their MSc journey:

Working in different sectors of healthcare - Jehanzeb as a pharmaceutical management consultant and Suzanne in employee health strategy and business development - both were drawn to the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership to broaden their impact on healthcare delivery.

For Jehanzeb, the pandemic highlighted how crucial global collaboration is in healthcare. ‘Working with global pharmaceutical clients showed me the need for broader understanding across the healthcare value chain. The programme enhanced my skills in evidence-based medicine and research design, helping me realise that meaningful impact requires both specialised expertise and comprehensive knowledge.’

Suzanne's experience with digital healthcare and referral systems sparked her interest in broader solutions: ‘I've seen how technology can improve access and health outcomes, but I wanted to explore interventions beyond direct healthcare services. The international nature of the programme was crucial, especially given the limitations of US social policies. I wanted to learn how different countries address social determinants of health and integrate these approaches with primary and virtual care.’

Both found the programme's global perspective transformative. The continuous inspiration from colleagues, tutors, and guest lecturers fostered deeper exploration, with Suzanne noting how these international insights directly influenced her MSc dissertation and DPhil thesis direction.

Suzanne and Jehanzeb pictured outside the Radcliffe Primary Care building in Oxford.

From MSc to DPhil: Advancing healthcare through research

Both Jehanzeb and Suzanne's MSc dissertations naturally evolved into their DPhil research paths, each focusing on innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

Jehanzeb's research explores the cutting edge of personalised cancer treatment. His MSc dissertation examined novel cancer treatments based on genotype, particularly focusing on liquid biopsy technology's role in providing crucial genetic biomarkers. ‘The rapid advancement of this field, combined with emerging AI technologies, made it clear that now is the critical time for research in this area', he explains. His DPhil in Primary Health Care will investigate the intersection of cancer and AI, aiming to produce research that bridges academic insight with practical healthcare delivery.

Suzanne's work centres on community-based healthcare solutions. Her MSc dissertation reviewed community health worker (CHW) interventions for healthy ageing, examining how these public health workers - who often share cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with their communities – can support older people and deliver value-based care. ‘My DPhil research will develop and test theories about how CHWs can help health systems build capabilities to address health determinants for older adults and support their caregivers, while improving access to primary care and social services,’ she shares.

Both researchers aim to create practical impact: Jehanzeb through integrating AI and cancer care innovations, and Suzanne through improving public health practices for older populations.  

Advice for prospective students

Jehanzeb and Suzanne share their experiences of balancing career transitions with academic pursuits, offering complementary perspectives for future students.

On career transitions: ‘As someone already mid-career in industry, I've learned it's never too late to pursue new professional and academic passions,’ Jehanzeb reflects. ‘Life is about taking risks and evolving with the times.’ Suzanne adds that while balancing full-time work with part-time study is challenging, ‘Setting clear goals early on and holding yourself accountable is crucial.’

On building confidence: Both emphasise the importance of self-belief. Jehanzeb, who returned to academia after 40, encourages prospective students not to let imposter syndrome become a barrier: ‘If you have a true passion for learning and making an impact, doors will open.’ Suzanne complements this by highlighting the value of supportive networks: ‘Stay close to those who encourage you to elevate your work quality while also enjoying Oxford life.’

On exploring opportunities: Their paths demonstrate the value of remaining open to new interests. Suzanne discovered her passion for community healthcare through guest lectures, which ultimately shaped her academic journey. Similarly, Jehanzeb advocates for embracing change: ‘Investing in education and yourself will always be worthwhile.’

Together, their experiences illustrate that success at Oxford combines academic rigour with personal growth, whether you're transitioning from industry or exploring new healthcare solutions.