Dr. Valentin Drezaliu and Mihaela Daniela Condurateanu, from Crown Point, are graduating in May with master’s degrees in business administration (MBA).
Originally from Romania, the pair chose to pursue an MBA degree together. “It was interesting to be with my husband in the same program,” Condurateanu said. “It was like a competition and the fact that we have worked together made us more powerful as a team. It was a privilege to share this experience with each other.”
The couple chose IU Northwest because of its reputation. “The School of Business and Economics is known as a top-tier business school,” said Condurateanu, “and the AACSB accreditation definitely made a difference by providing me with quality-reviewed tools I needed to accomplish my long-term career goals.” Drezaliu agreed, citing the school’s close proximity to home and “its excellent reputation within the academic world.”
Both successful executives in a local medical system, they chose the MBA program because they wanted to become more familiar with medicine’s business side. Condurateanu serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Methodist Hospital Foundation and Drezaliu, an OB/GYN physician since 2010, is chairman of the OB/GYN Department.
“I am interested in expanding my business knowledge as a way to be more involved in the community,” said Condurateanu. Her husband echoed similar aspirations, stating, “I do believe it is paramount for a doctor to know the business aspect really well.” He added, “I love the place where I work, and my intention is to be more involved in executive activities, listen to the community, and seek ways to make the medical experience more efficient and more satisfying for the patient.”
Accomplished and near the top of their fields, the duo were challenged by the MBA program to push themselves even further. “The assignments can be very demanding, and I had to exert myself to fulfill the requirements,” said Condurateanu. Completing group work proved most difficult for Drezaliu, who said, “Working in a group of colleagues with busy schedules, trying to finish assignments in time was the hardest part.”
Even though they just graduated, the couple already miss the faculty and classes. “I most value the personal connections with my instructors,” stated Condurateanu. Her husband agreed, “The professors are dedicated people with good hearts, really great teachers that gave us amazing examples of kindness, flexibility and understanding,” said Drezaliu. “It felt almost like a family, the IU family. For this, we are grateful that we were allowed this privilege to attend and graduate from the IUN MBA program.”