Putting an MBA into practice to build better businesses is admirable, using your MBA to save lives takes an extra special commitment.
For Melbourne-based RMIT University graduate Dr Mark Buzza the application of his knowledge may have extraordinary implications for the millions of men who suffer from prostate cancer.
Having completed his Master of Business Administration (Executive) at RMIT in 2007, Dr Buzza now manages a $A25 million cancer research program, the Global Action Plan for the Movember Foundation
The international program is an initiative established by the Movember Foundation that involves the collaboration of more than 250 of the world’s leading prostate cancer researchers and clinicians across more than 15 countries.
The aim is to facilitate a better understanding of the cancer’s aggressiveness, treatment response, and metastasis – the spread of a cancer from one organ or part of the body to another. The ultimate goal of the program is for every man diagnosed with prostate and testicular cancer to receive a tailored treatment plan that best suits their specific cancer.
Dr Buzza began his career working in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, having studied biological science and completed his PhD in Molecular Medicine.
Wanting to move forward with his career objective of making a greater impact on people’s wellbeing, he realised he needed a business qualification to complement his science and medical research background.
“As my career progressed I realised that I wanted to lead programs that would help the wellbeing of patients, and I’ve found that my MBA has helped open those doors,” he said.
“I chose to study my MBA Executive at RMIT because it had strong industry links and a practical focus.
“The people I have met, across different industries, have helped me broaden my thinking and my horizons – studying at RMIT has made me think much more strategically and globally.”
Thinking globally is a big part of the Movember Foundation, which last year raised more than $A140 million for men’s health programs that combat prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health issues.
Every November, the foundation challenges millions of men from Rio De Janeiro to Moscow and everywhere in between to grow moustaches – or “Mos” – to raise vital funds.
Dr Buzza previously led the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s Plasma Strategy program.
He is widely published in high-impact international medical journals and has presented at international conferences.
On top of his work with the Global Action Plan, Dr Buzza also volunteers as a business mentor to current RMIT MBA students and is a judge in the RMIT Business Plan Competition.
“Having benefited so much from my education at RMIT, I wanted to give back and support those currently studying the program,” he said.
“It has been an exciting and rewarding experience to support the development of Australia’s emerging business leaders.”
