Our Interview With Dr. Brownlee

Dr. Maurice Brownlee is the Founder and CEO of Wellness Homes of Chicago, an organization that focuses on addressing health inequity and disparity through low-barrier, trauma-informed care models.

What inspired your journey from clinical nursing to earning a Doctorate in Business Administration?

While serving as CEO of an organization, I began to notice an increasing number of individuals entering our facilities with advanced stages of HIV, specifically, AIDS. Witnessing this firsthand, particularly in Atlanta, which at the time ranked fifth among U.S. cities with the highest rates of HIV, compelled me to take action. I decided to pause my career and return to school to focus on HIV and AIDS research and care. The application process was highly competitive, and I wasn’t certain I’d be accepted, but I was. That pivotal experience—seeing patients affected so severely—ultimately motivated my academic transition and deepened my commitment to improving outcomes for underserved communities.

How has your clinical background as a nurse practitioner shaped your leadership approach in healthcare business administration?

My clinical experience has been invaluable in shaping how I lead in healthcare administration. It provides me with an essential understanding of patient care—something that’s often overlooked in boardrooms. Without firsthand knowledge of clinical processes, it can be difficult to grasp why your staff needs particular resources, like gloves for specific procedures, or why patient-centered collaboration is non-negotiable. My time on the clinical frontlines taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and patient safety. Successful leadership in healthcare isn’t purely business or clinical—it lies at the intersection of both. We are nothing without our patients, and equally, nothing without our staff. A strong leader must understand and integrate both perspectives to effectively run a healthcare organization.

What should aspiring physicians understand about working alongside nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers?

First and foremost, it’s not a competition. No one is trying to take anyone’s job. The ultimate goal in healthcare must always be the patient. When the focus is genuinely on patient outcomes, collaboration becomes natural and seamless. Aspiring physicians need to fully embrace this team-based model of care. True success in healthcare comes from interdisciplinary collaboration—working together to deliver the best outcomes for the patient. When we prioritize the patient, we all win.

You've successfully bridged two demanding fields—medicine and business. What advice would you give premed students considering dual-degree paths such as MD/MH or MD/MBA?

For students aiming to own or manage a practice, I strongly recommend pursuing an MBA. Business education equips you with essential skills—understanding financial statements, human resource principles, organizational behavior, and how to motivate and manage people. These competencies are critical for operating a successful healthcare enterprise. On the other hand, for those focused on scholarly work or research, a Master of Health (MH) degree is highly beneficial. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but if your career goals include building organizations or leading private practice, an MBA will likely serve you better in the long run.

What leadership skills do medical students and future physicians often overlook but are essential in real-world healthcare settings?

Many overlook the importance of basic human resource management. If you’re going to lead a practice, you must understand how to recruit, retain, and support staff effectively. Organizational behavior is another critical area—knowing how to build systems, design effective policies, and foster a positive work environment. Leadership courses are also crucial because different leadership theories apply to different situations. Beyond theory, medical professionals need to develop practical skills in motivation, team-building, and change management. The ability to pivot and implement change is vital in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, and these are the kinds of skills honed in business school or MBA programs.

How do you see the role of interdisciplinary education evolving in healthcare, and how can premed students prepare for the future?

Healthcare is changing rapidly. What we know in 2025 will look very different just a few years from now. Technology and data are the driving forces behind this evolution. Interdisciplinary education is no longer optional—it’s essential. I encourage students to take every opportunity to explore courses outside of traditional medicine, especially in areas like technology and data science. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) will soon handle a significant portion of diagnostics. The conventional method of reviewing symptoms and manually crafting a differential diagnosis is already becoming outdated. Today’s students need to understand that AI is more than a tool for writing papers—it’s an integral part of future clinical care. The earlier we introduce students to this mindset, the better prepared they’ll be to thrive in tomorrow’s healthcare ecosystem.

‍Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Dr. Brownlee to help future doctors understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into medical school today.

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