The power of the Oxford alumni network: How MGHL connections and collaborations are reshaping global healthcare

At its core, the Oxford experience is about more than just academic learning – it’s about building relationships, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change. The MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership (MGHL) programme is a prime example of this, bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal: improving healthcare on a global scale.

The collaboration between MGHL alumni James Castro and Ryan Donnelly exemplifies this network's impact, having forged a significant healthcare partnership that transcends geographical boundaries and unites diverse expertise. Their work, along with fellow Oxford alumna Rebecca Springer, demonstrates how the Oxford network facilitates career opportunities, knowledge-sharing and impactful changes in the industry.

Oxford connections that lead to real change

James and Ryan first met during the MGHL programme, developing a professional relationship that would later create value in their careers in unexpected ways. James is a Managing Director and co-leads Bailey & Co.’s Healthcare Services Investment Banking practice where he primarily facilitates mergers and acquisitions that are intended to enhance access and quality of care in the US. Ryan, too, is at the forefront of transforming the delivery of care as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at Premise Health – the leading direct healthcare company in the US with over 800 clinic locations serving millions of people.  

James and Ryan forged an immediate bond over their shared passion for patient-centred care and similar approaches to leading growth initiatives. Their practices are deeply rooted in evidence-based principles that prioritise patients. Substantial research is required to implement complementary clinical service lines, integrate new technologies, and reduce total cost of care—often this level of rigorous research is lacking in corporate finance.

James (left) and Ryan (right) pictured together in Oxford

Rebecca, meanwhile, was embarking upon a different path. Having completed a DPhil in medieval history at Merton College and taught as a college lecturer at Oriel College, she later pivoted to apply her capabilities within the US healthcare innovation and finance ecosystem.

In 2024, while Rebecca was building the private equity industry’s leading healthcare research group within PitchBook, she crossed paths with Ryan. The two met at a US healthcare conference and discovered their shared Oxford background.

Ryan and Rebecca traded notes on innovation in primary care. Later, Ryan and his colleagues at Premise Health contributed to a report Rebecca published on opportunities to improve healthcare outcomes and lower costs via innovative care delivery models. When Rebecca began exploring new career opportunities, Ryan introduced her to James, inspired by his and James’ earlier conversations around the importance of research in investment banking and healthcare transformation.

James saw an opportunity for Rebecca to contribute to his organisation and in November 2024, Rebecca joined Bailey & Co. as Director of Market Development to build a research platform that delivers insights into emerging trends in healthcare. As part of her role, Rebecca would collaborate with James and other colleagues to publish white papers on topics such as governance, risk, and compliance, value-based care, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA), and post-acute care staffing.

Rebecca not only assists multi-billion private equity groups in developing and executing healthcare sector-specific investment strategies, but she also works with investment banking colleagues to uncover creative opportunities to combine companies that, together, improve the lives of patients while reducing the cost of care.

It is encouraging to see MGHL alumni like James and Ryan leverage their networks – across Oxford and beyond – to drive meaningful improvements in the global healthcare landscape. This collaboration is just one example of how these connections translate into real-world impact, using their expertise to tackle complex challenges in healthcare.

Looking ahead: 2025 MGHL alumni retreat

Stories like these highlight the lasting value of the Oxford network. The upcoming MGHL alumni retreat in March, spearheaded by our new Alumni Relations Manager Shona Nicholson offers another opportunity for MGHL graduates to reconnect, exchange ideas, and explore new collaborations. Events like this help Oxford alumni build connections that can spark future collaborations and drive impact in the industry.

Within MGHL’s first cohort, there are already a number of peer collaborations underway. A common thread of those that seek advanced degrees in global health is a commitment to a higher standard of life and greater access to healthcare for all. Ranging from entrepreneurial ventures to clinical research collaborations, this cohort is inspiring future cohorts to also join forces for the benefit of others.

The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences celebrates how the Oxford network unites individuals to drive meaningful change, spanning career transitions, collaborative ventures, and groundbreaking healthcare initiatives. Click here to learn more about the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership (MGHL) programme, run in partnership with the Saïd Business School.