Sebastian’s MBA opened up more opportunities than a traditional medical career path

Sebastian Matthew Spencer, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Cliniques de l’Europe, Executive MBA, 2018

20 February 2023

“It’s not just about those letters after your name. An MBA enables you to say something about yourself. It sets you apart from your peers and gives you the confidence and legitimacy to share your views and act.”

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In 2015, specialist medical doctor Sebastian Spencer felt his career path had already been mapped out for him. He had an impressive resumé – having just transitioned from a Head of Emergency Medicine position to become the Medical Director of a 500-bed hospital in Brussels. But despite these achievements, he didn’t want to be put in a box.  He says: “I enjoy practising medicine, but I was also interested in the other aspects of running a successful medical facility.”

Sebastian decided to do an MBA at Vlerick, because he believed it would add legitimacy to his voice and opinions. And it did – but it also gave him so much more than that.

Going beyond standard business subjects

Sebastian knew the MBA would fill the gaps in his knowledge – and he gained a broader understanding of subjects like HR, logistics, finance, governance and strategy. But he was surprised by other elements of the Vlerick approach.

“Going into the MBA, I thought a business school would promote aggressive tactics and focus on winning at all costs,” he says. “But I was amazed at how much emphasis there was on corporate and social responsibility, sustainable development and honesty and integrity in negotiations. Vlerick is focused on building a society that’s good for humans, through business.”

He adds: “Our professors were clear. It’s about doing business in a fair way by following the rules, both legal and social. There was a big focus on being trustworthy – without being too trusting!”

Discovering new ambitions

Throughout his two years at Vlerick, Sebastian found his personal ambitions shifting. Through intense and engaging team work, he realised he was no longer interested in chasing the next big job title. Instead, he was fulfilled by making things happen as part of a team.

“Vlerick taught me how to stay focused on the destination and getting there through collective success,” he says. “And while we are reaching that destination, to trust the people around me, to delegate to them and to make sure they develop into the leaders of tomorrow, or leaders in their own field.

“Vlerick empowered me to empower others.”

Developing a broad view

It was very clear to Sebastian that Vlerick championed diversity – of participants, backgrounds and thought – and it was something he really appreciated.

He says: “It was interesting to connect with people who weren’t healthcare professionals, to think outside of the box and in an entrepreneurial way. It was important for me to have people from other industries around me.”

Sebastian found that every effort was made to make participants feel welcome and supported, wherever they were from – and he felt that support first-hand.

“The first year was really tough,” he says. “I found it hard to manage school, family and work and I questioned whether I should take a break. But the team really took the time to understand how they could help me. They encouraged me to keep going – and I knew if I stopped, I might not go back! The support team were available, reactive – and above all, caring.”

Vlerick is focused on building a society that’s good for humans, through business.
Sebastian Matthew Spencer
Associate Chief Medical Officer at Cliniques de l’Europe

Still making a daily impact

Several years after graduating, Vlerick is still very present in Sebastian’s life. He says: “Almost every day I find myself thinking, ‘What would this professor do?’ Or ‘What would that classmate think?’ Being around so many different perspectives has really helped me.”

His two years at Vlerick gave him a great network of friends and peers. Just last year, he got together with his classmates in Brussels for a two-day celebration of their graduation anniversary.

During his MBA, Sebastian became the Medical Director for Médecins Sans Frontières at its headquarters in Brussels. In 2022, he joined the management team at Cliniques de l’Europe and is currently Associate Chief Medical Officer.

Your sign to take the leap

Sebastian has been very vocal when it comes to motivating others to do an MBA – and has already encouraged at least three people to take the leap. He says: “It’s not just about those letters after your name. An MBA enables you to say something about yourself. It sets you apart from your peers and it gives you the confidence and legitimacy to share your views and act.

“If you’re thinking about doing an MBA, this is your nudge to take the leap. You’ll never regret it. It’s transformative – and will change your career and your life.”