When you imagine a doctor’s career, Harvard Business School Online might not be the first education provider that comes to mind. But for Dr. Ieva Ruza—a seasoned endocrinologist and internist, lecturer, and healthcare leader based in Riga, Latvia—HBS Online played a surprising yet pivotal part in her professional growth.
Ruza has spent more than two decades immersed in medicine, patient care, and teaching. Her days are busy, moving from the halls of Riga East Clinical University Hospital to leadership roles in the Latvian Society of Internal Medicine and the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM). But in the quiet hours, often with a cup of coffee, Ruza reflects on her career journey.
“Sometimes, I sip my coffee and think about my day while sitting in my garden by the forest before I teach my students and work with my patients,” she shares.
These moments ground her, reminding her of why she chose medicine in the first place.
Her calling started early. As a teenager working as a junior nurse, she saw firsthand what it meant to be present for people in their most vulnerable moments.
“I always knew I wanted to be a doctor,” she says. “I know I could pursue many other careers if I ever left healthcare, but this is what I love. No matter how deep the burnout, I feel this is my place.”
Over time, she also recognized a need to grow. Medicine gave her purpose, but she craved something that would sharpen her management skills, deepen her teaching, and help her lead more effectively in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
From Hospital Halls to HBS Online
In 2021, while seeking leadership courses to support her role on the EFIM Executive Board, Ruza faced a common dilemma: few European programs blended affordability, interactive content, and global perspective.
Her search led her to HBS Online, where she enrolled in Leadership Principles. It turned out to be more than just an online course; it was a turning point in her professional and personal life.
“The community was wonderful—we connected immediately, and the peer communication was incredibly productive,” she recalls.
For Ruza, online learning was never about simply absorbing course content. It was about sharing ideas, exploring new frameworks, tackling real-world challenges, and building skills she could apply directly to her work as a doctor and educator.
How One Course Turned Into 15
What began as a single course evolved into a commitment to lifelong learning. Since finishing Leadership Principles in 2021, Ruza has completed 15 HBS Online certificate courses across a range of key subject areas, including:
Through this journey, she’s earned four Certificates of Specialization in Leadership and Management, Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Business in Society.
Each course was a deliberate step toward greater impact. Ruza’s decision to enroll in Negotiation Mastery stemmed from a desire to strengthen her professional communication and decision-making skills to better prepare for uncertainty. “Doctors negotiate frequently,” she explains—especially when collaborating with hospital administrators and colleagues.
Inspired by her peers’ recommendations, Ruza’s curiosity grew with each new course, continually reshaping how she leads, teaches, and solves problems as a clinician and educator.
Blending Business Knowledge with Healthcare
One course that particularly resonated throughout her HBS Online journey was Disruptive Strategy, where she was captivated by HBS Professor Clayton Christensen’s jobs to be done theory. She found it deeply applicable to understanding her patients and medical students’ needs. The framework transformed how she listens and thinks, ultimately enhancing her teaching and medical practice.
Other courses, like Strategy Execution, helped Ruza navigate healthcare leadership’s complexities. While running for EFIM’s President-Elect position, she leveraged insights from the course to craft a detailed campaign strategy.
Another standout aspect of Ruza’s HBS Online experience was the case method, which explores real-world business challenges through the lens of HBS faculty and industry leaders—a hallmark of the School’s learning model.
Reflecting on the case method, Ruza shares, “The story, how it unfolded through its failures, ups, and downs, was incredibly instructive.”
Ruza’s teaching approach has evolved throughout her HBS Online journey.
“I use what I’ve learned about giving and receiving feedback in my lectures, but more importantly, I strive to model how to be human with my students.”
She encourages emotional intelligence within clinical settings—taking time to share life stories with students and reflect together.
Finding a Global Community
Beyond the course content, Ruza credits the vibrant HBS Online Community for transforming her experience. Her cohorts have grown into more than just peers—they’re collaborators and sources of inspiration who fuel her ongoing professional development.
“Once you check in, you can never check out,” Ruza laughs. Many of her courses followed one after another, sparked by invitations or encouragement from fellow learners.
Being part of such a diverse network helped expand her worldview. As a doctor and educator, this exposure enriched her empathy and strengthened her ability to connect with others across borders, disciplines, and perspectives.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Online Learners
Today, Ruza actively encourages professionals, especially those outside the traditional business world, to explore HBS Online.
“Don’t be intimidated by the Harvard name or the price tag,” she advises. “Try one course; you’ll discover real value—not just in what you learn, but in the people you meet.”
She offers reassurance to those unsure about their next steps.
“You don’t need to be in a leadership role or running a big business,” she says. “Look for what fits your situation, reflect on your current role, or even imagine a future one, and be open to where your path might lead.”
Whether mentoring future doctors, influencing healthcare policy, or listening intently to patients, Ruza leads with humility, openness, and an unwavering belief in the power of lifelong learning.
Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Explore HBS Online’s certificate and credential programs, and download our online learning success guide to learn how to prepare for your next HBS Online course.
