Nida Zakiullah, MD, MSHCT ‘22

Dr. Nida Zakiullah became a physician for the altruistic reason that most people do – to help patients. Her passion for helping patients and her drive for change led Dr. Zakiullah to the MS in Health Care Transformation program.

“Most masters programs are about working within the system that we have, which of course has value. But this program focuses on how we can make it better. It spoke to me.”

As she began the program, she was hired by Baylor Scott & White in an Austin-based clinic. “When I was interviewing, they knew I was starting this program. I think that was part of the reason why I got the job.” Indeed, she was officially promoted to Medical Director of the Clinic shortly after graduating.

“I draw on what I learned every day, and every course has relevance,” Dr. Zakiullah reflected, explaining the program refocused her passion for why she started this profession, positively shifted her views, and gave her the tools to create change.

“The program taught me how to put patients at the center of everything that we do. It changed my conversations with patients, such as, asking more about what their goals of care instead of checking boxes off a list.”

In her role as medical director, Dr. Zakiullah is responsible for measuring outcomes of care such as blood pressure control. “One of the things that I learned is the idea of having a strategy, and tackling the areas that need the most improvement.” For example, she created a “needs card” for her patients, so at every appointment, a team member discusses with the patient important follow-ups, such as labs or referrals. “While this may seem like a small thing, it has greatly improved continuity for patients, which in turn has helped patients achieve better health outcomes.”

Dr. Zakiullah’s aspiration is to grow in leadership so she can continue to challenge the status quo. She credits the Value Institute program with giving her the skills to forge her way.

“There’s something very hopeful about being part of this program. We can’t change the whole system all at once, but we can make it better by incremental changes. The program gives us a framework for how to do that. “

– Nida Zakiullah, MD, MS in Health Care Transformation