Of all the speeches Carey graduates will hear during this year’s commencement ceremonies, perhaps the most meaningful will come from those who have walked side-by-side with them throughout their journey at Carey.
Selected by the Carey community, Health Care Management candidate Renad Bahabri will speak on behalf of Carey’s Master of Science students, and MBA candidate Elham (Hasti) Jamshidi will deliver her message to her fellow MBA graduates. Both ceremonies will be held at the Joseph A. Meyerhoff Hall in Baltimore.
Meet Renad Bahabri, MS in Health Care Management
Bahabri brought her clinical background as a respiratory care practitioner into the classroom with purpose and clarity, blending her experience with strategic thinking.
At Carey, Bahabri said she realized the value of her prior experience and how her direct work with patients could translate into the broader field of health care management. The program gave her the tools to see the bigger picture of how health care systems function and how to create impactful change.
“I came to appreciate the insights I gained from working directly with patients, navigating institutional systems, and adhering to health care policies, and how those experiences can inform meaningful decisions at the organizational and systemic levels,” said Bahabri.
When it comes to implementing changes that involve regulatory or institutional dynamics, Bahabri said she can now identify problems from multiple stakeholder perspectives, helping her understand the full meaning of the decision. The program has also helped her build skills in health care consulting and administration, improving her approaches to complex decisions, especially when they involve ethical dilemmas.
Outside the classroom, Bahabri served as vice president of internal affairs for Venture Nest at Johns Hopkins University, a student-led incubator that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to turn ideas into successful ventures. There she helped organize student events and participated in the review process for the annual Student Venture Showcase.
“My experience at Carey was amazing. It pushed me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. Each course taught me something new and practical about the health care system that I can directly apply in the real world. I really appreciated the emphasis on experiential learning, from networking events to career development workshops. Carey helped me grow not just academically, but personally and professionally as well,” said Bahabri.
After graduation, Bahabri plans to pursue a career in health care administration, where she can bring together her clinical background and her Carey education. She also plans to continue working part-time as a respiratory therapist, staying close to the patient care that inspired her journey in the first place.
Meet Elham (Hasti) Jamshidi, MBA
Originally from Iran, Jamshidi came to Carey looking to drive meaningful change in the health care industry using business strategy and technology. And at Carey, she’s made an impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Jamshidi has served as an MBA consultant at Johns Hopkins Hospital, co-president of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Consulting Club, and vice president of the Graduate Healthcare Business Association. She was also recently recognized as Johns Hopkins University’s Student-Employee of the Year for her outstanding service and performance.
Courses like Negotiation and Business in Law helped her understand key concepts that are often overlooked in industry training. And the extracurricular activities provided the leadership experience, networking opportunities, and practical skills that are learned beyond the classroom.
When asked about advice she would offer to prospective students, Jamshidi didn’t hesitate:
“Please ask for support! This is a place where people’s humanity and willingness to help is the top priority–it's one of Carey's values in real action. Take advantage of every opportunity Carey offers. Join clubs, attend conferences, and connect with all classmates. As someone who learned English just a couple of years ago, I can tell you that Carey will support your growth in ways you can't even imagine. Be open to new experiences, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Carey gave me the chance to achieve things I never thought possible. It can and will do the same for you, too,” said Jamshidi.
Once Jamshidi walks off stage, she will join AstraZeneca as a commercial leadership associate–a role she secured through her participation in case competitions at Carey. She plans to combine her clinical background and business skills to develop innovative digital solutions, with a focus on underserved markets. Her long-term passion lies in using technology and innovation to improve patient outcomes.