Contributor: Katherine Clark, WG'15
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Dear Fellow Alumni,
I hope everyone’s 2025 is off to a wonderful start. Even during these past few weeks, I continue to feel immensely grateful for every conversation I have with our fellow HCM alumni — whether it’s developing new professional connections or sharing experiences with newly admitted students. And as we move into the new year, the WHCMAA board members continue to strive to strengthen our alumni community.
This November our association gathered for the WHCMAA Alumni Conference in Philadelphia. Led by Conference Co-Chairs, Hannah Plon (WG’22) and Michael Rovinsky (WG’86), we welcomed an impressive roster of speakers and panelists who tackled the critical challenges facing healthcare today, all under the theme of "Driving Meaningful Change in a Consistently Resistant Industry." This year we extended programming to Thursday evening and kicked off the conference with an opening network reception, during which the positive energy was palpable. Later that evening, together with John Winkelman (W’80), chair of the Awards and Grants Committee, I was honored to present the WHCMAA awards. Michael Rovinsky (WG'86) and Dr. David Fajgenbaum (WG’15) were recognized with the Outstanding Service Award and Alumni Achievement awards, respectively.
The following day, Dr. Fajgenbaum began the day with a truly inspiring keynote on his Every Cure initiative, highlighting how existing drugs can be repurposed to save lives. The only tough part of the day was choosing which panels to attend! We had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders including Katie Elias (WG’06), Cécile Brosset Dubois, Carolyn Magill (WG’04), and Nathan Silberman, who explored the exploded world of AI in healthcare. Another panel featuring Kathryn Tong (WG’07), Marina Tarasova (WG’10), Delphine O’Rourke, Dr. Z. Colette Edwards (WG’84, MD’85), and Alisha Lalani offered insights on recent innovations in women’s health. Yet another panel, including Dr. Kaveh Safavi, Julia Puchtler, Geoffrey Roche, and Dr. Bryan Bushick (MD’88, WG’89), provided thoughtful perspectives on labor challenges affecting healthcare and life sciences.
Dr. Jason Karlawish provided the afternoon keynote, whose thought-provoking discussion of Alzheimer’s research illustrated how rapidly evolving science is reshaping care for the aging population. The day ended with a riveting fireside chat on policy and politics, featuring Melissa Schulman, Rena Conti, PhD, and John Barkett (WG’09), tying together emerging trends in a changing political landscape.
The dialogue was outstanding. I found myself disappointed when the sessions were over, wanting to hear more about these fascinating topics from expert perspectives. It was impossible to leave the conference without feeling inspired and energized.
Following then, just a few short weeks ago, our annual JPM Reception in San Francisco was yet again a resounding success, serving as a true capstone event for the entire JP Morgan week. With Smita Jain (WG’05) and Katie Elias (WG'06) at the helm, we had well over 200 attendees. The event welcomed a diverse group, including current MBA and WEMBA students, faculty, and alumni, from recent graduates to those representing four decades of Wharton classes. Sponsors and fellow board members also joined us, and the great weather allowed everyone to spread out comfortably both indoors and on the expansive outdoor patio for mini-reunions and lively conversations. This welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by the creative signature cocktails, like The Kinney Cosmo, Penn Paloma, and HCM Spark, perfectly captured the spirit of Wharton camaraderie, giving old friends and new acquaintances alike an opportunity to connect.
Looking ahead, I encourage everyone to quickly mark their calendars for the 31st Annual Wharton Health Care Business Conference, scheduled for February 27–28 at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia. This year’s student-led event is titled, “Beyond Disruption: Building Lasting Health Care Transformation” and promises an outstanding agenda. I plan on attending and hope you’ll stop me to say hello.
Please also stay tuned for upcoming happy hours and networking events. We hope these more intimate events provide the opportunity to connect on a deeper level, share industry insights, and build the supportive community we all value.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the WHCMAA. I look forward to seeing you soon at an upcoming event!
Kind regards,
Katherine Clark, WG’15
President, Wharton Health Care Management Alumni Association
Contact Katherine at: [email protected]
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