To succeed in healthcare, it takes more than just a high-quality medical education. It takes a deep understanding of modern business, leadership, and financial comprehension – education that student Nicole Roddy saw in the UAB Doctor of Optometry/Master of Business Administration (OD-MBA) dual-degree program.
For Nicole, her choice was clear. Nicole knew UAB is consistently ranked amongst the best in the nation opens a new website for optometry programs. The program, coupled with a nationally ranked MBA program, meant that Nicole, a native of Chelsea, Alabama, could receive a world-class education in business and optometry while allowing her to be closer to home and keep costs low.
Nicole graduated with her OD/MBA dual-degree this spring. In her last semester as an optometry student, Nicole received clinical training at UAB Eye Care as part of her optometry program curriculum, where she provided hands-on eye care to patients with supervision from trained faculty.
Although the global COVID-19 pandemic shifted her clinicals and coursework online, it's provided Nicole an opportunity to provide telemedicine, a modern form of medicine where medical providers meet with patients virtually through apps or video conferencing, and dive deeper into patient case studies and eye care specializations.
It was during one of her clinicals that Nicole fell in love with pediatric eye care. During her clinics, Nicole would treat small children and babies born with cataracts and other crippling eye conditions. "Some of our patients could become blind without our care. It's humbling to know the lessons I've learned [in school] can make a difference in someone's life," she says.
Nicole says that with proper eye care, sometimes as simple as an eyeglass fitting, a lot of younger patients have a better trajectory for success later in life. "If a child has trouble seeing, how can they do well in school? How will they drive when they're older?"
Growing up, Nicole attributes her love for children from her time managing preschool children at her church's nursery. There she learned the value of injecting play and fun into difficult situations.
"If I can encourage a child to open up and have fun, it makes scary things like eye tests easier for me and the child. It allows them to shine and trust me as their healthcare provider," she says.
Nicole wants to work with children and expand her knowledge of surgery and eye care — whether that's in a private practice or alongside other doctors in a hospital.
The OD/MBA dual-degree has given her confidence, she says, that whatever direction she chooses, she'll have the business knowledge to succeed. "It's given me the knowledge to be an active member in the business conversation," she says. "I'm now able to be a good manager of a team."
Plus, she says, having a background in business sets her apart in residency. Nicole has chosen the Vanderbilt Eye Institute for her residency, where she'll spend a year working with patients, providing essential eye care services and growing her medical knowledge.
A high-achieving student, Nicole served as president of the Student Volunteer of Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), president of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists student group, UAB School of Optometry student ambassador and student member of the American Academy of Optometry while pursuing her optometry and MBA degree.
Outside of class, Nicole enjoys hiking and the outdoors. Oak Mountain State Park, in Pelham, Alabama, is Nicole's preferred jaunt for a break from school.
Although her schedule is rigorous, Nicole cherishes her relationships with her loved ones. A self-proclaimed people person, she values spending time with her family and friends – even if it means over FaceTime for now.
Although the four years of optometry school and business classes has been a challenge, Nicole says the dual-degree program "has been totally doable."
"Everyone from faculty to advisors and staff have gone above and beyond to help me. I never felt truly overwhelmed. All it takes is a little determination."