Student Spotlight: Migael Pohl’s Journey through the Global Online MBA and his mission in healthcare innovation

Alongside managing his private dental practice, Migael is a founding member of Evergrace Care, a care facility that emphasises high-quality home and frail care services, driven by a culture of compassion. We were keen to hear more about this exciting venture, as well as Migael’s insights on the MBA programme and how it has been shaping his work.

Could you share a bit more about your career path and background?
I am a dental surgeon based in South Africa, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Currently, I own and operate a private dental practice (East London Oral Health Centre), which is actually the third practice I have established in my career. In addition to my dental work, I've recently been involved in the opening and management of EverGrace Frail Care Facility in East London, South Africa. My role is multifaceted – I am part of the management team for both my dental practice and the care facility, while also providing hands-on patient care daily in my dental practice. This combination allows me to blend my clinical expertise with my business acumen, ensuring high-quality care delivery and efficient operational management.

You mentioned the opening of EverGrace Care. Could you tell us more about the vision behind this care facility?
I had the amazing opportunity to be part of the founding team at EverGrace Care. When we first took over, the facility was in a state of disrepair and had been neglected for some time. However, this presented us with a unique chance to drive transformative change and create a truly exceptional care environment. We implemented a comprehensive overhaul, introducing new management, renovating the facility, and establishing new protocols to ensure the highest standards of care. Today, EverGrace Care offers a range of services, including frail care, assisted living, and step-down care, catering to the diverse needs of our residents. One of the key areas I focused on was building a strong brand identity for EverGrace Care. This involved developing a robust social media presence, which has enabled us to engage with our community, share our story, and showcase the exceptional care we provide. Through this process, we have not only improved the physical environment but also created a culture of excellence and compassion that sets us apart in the industry.

Check out this video and get an impression of what EverGrace Care is all about, or take a quick facility walkthrough.

At EverGrace Care we have not only improved the physical environment but also created a culture of excellence and compassion that sets us apart in the industry

The emphasis on compassionate care is quite unique. What inspired you to start this facility in the first place and what motivated you to create this culture of compassion?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, my approach to business has undergone a significant shift. I have established a clear set of criteria that any future business venture must meet. Specifically, I look for three key elements:

• Essential Service: Does the business provide a vital service that meets a fundamental need?
• Lucrativeness: Is the business financially viable and capable of generating significant returns?
• Community Impact: Does the business have a positive impact on the community and contribute to its well-being?

When this business opportunity presented itself, I was excited to see that it checked all three boxes. I was drawn to its potential to make a meaningful difference, while also being a financially sound and essential service. This alignment with my values and criteria made it an easy decision for me to get involved.

You started the Global Online MBA at MSM in January. Was this decision linked to your plans for EverGrace Care, or were there other motivations?
While the circumstances that led to the establishment of EverGrace Care were not planned, they ultimately presented a perfect opportunity for me to apply the skills I acquired through the MSM Global Online MBA programme.

The programme played a pivotal role in helping me establish the facility, and I was able to leverage the knowledge and expertise I gained to drive its success. The timing could not have been better, and I am grateful for the way everything came together to enable me to bring my vision for EverGrace Care to life.

The MBA programme played a pivotal role in helping me establish the facility, and I was able to leverage the knowledge and expertise I gained to drive its success

What led you to choose an online MBA, specifically the MSM Global Online MBA?
I have a well-established full-time dental practice, and attending an in-person MBA programme would be impractical for me. The Global Online MBA has provided me with the flexibility to pursue my MBA goals while continuing to manage my practice.

I chose MSM specifically because of its reputation for academic excellence, global perspective, and individualized attention. These values align with my own goals and aspirations, and I believe that MSM's programme will enable me to achieve my objectives while balancing my professional responsibilities.

How has your experience been with the Global Online MBA programme so far?
My experience with the online MBA programme has been incredibly positive and rewarding. It arrived at an ideal point in my career, allowing me to apply insights from the academic content, as well as valuable perspectives from lecturers and fellow students, directly into my business operations every day. Although the programme demands significant time and dedication, the benefits it provides make it entirely worthwhile.

Are there any specific courses that have been particularly valuable to you?
Two courses that truly stood out to me were Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, taught by Dave Cass, and Change Management, led by Patrick Martens. These courses were exceptional due to their combination of high-quality academic content, the expertise of the lecturers, and their direct relevance to my personal and professional life.

The Leadership course helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself as a leader and provided insights into the leadership styles of those around me. Meanwhile, the Change Management course was invaluable in teaching me how to implement change effectively, considering that not everyone is as comfortable with change as I am. Both courses were absolutely worth it.

Seems like you are applying lessons learned from the MSM Global Online MBA to your daily work. Would you have some more examples?
Too many to mention. I learn new lessons daily and implement them every day.

What are your aspirations for the future, both professionally and personally?
As a healthcare professional, I have observed significant challenges in the healthcare sector that stem from the intersection of medical practice and business management. The global healthcare industry is experiencing rapid growth due to technological advancements and increasing life expectancy. However, this growth has exposed critical gaps in healthcare management, particularly in the areas of business acumen and communication between clinical and administrative staff.

One of the most pressing issues is the misalignment between patient expectations, billing realities, and clinical outcomes. This disconnect often leads to conflicts and dissatisfaction among all parties involved.

While medical and dental professionals receive excellent clinical training, there is a notable deficit in practice management education. This gap can result in inefficient operations and financial mismanagement.

Financial professionals often struggle to fully grasp the nuances of clinical environments, leading to unrealistic expectations and impractical business models.

To address these challenges, I aim to leverage my clinical expertise alongside the MBA education to:

1. Develop comprehensive business models tailored to medical and dental practices
2. Bridge the communication gap between clinical and corporate professionals
3. Provide consultancy services for buying and selling healthcare practices

By combining my medical background with advanced business knowledge, I can offer unique insights into the healthcare industry's specific needs and constraints. This approach will enable me to create more effective and realistic business strategies for healthcare organisations.

My ultimate goal is to establish myself as a specialised consultant and broker in the healthcare sector.

By combining my medical background with advanced business knowledge, I can offer unique insights into the healthcare industry's specific needs and constraints

What advice would you give to future students considering an MBA?
Education (MBA) equips us with a set of internal resources that remain accessible to us regardless of external factors. This makes it not just a pathway to career success, but a fundamental building block of our personal development and long-term well-being. It is an investment that continues to yield returns throughout our lives, making us more capable, adaptable, and resilient individuals. Make the MBA investment!

Thank you, Migael, for sharing your story, inspirational vision, and valuable insights into the Global Online MBA programme. We wish you great success in tackling the challenges within the healthcare sector and look forward to seeing your journey unfold as you work towards becoming a specialised consultant and broker in healthcare management. Good luck with the continued development of Evergrace Care and your MBA studies!

Interested in joining Migael on the MSM Global Online MBA journey?
With three intakes in 2025—January, May, and September—you can start your MBA experience at a time that suits you best. The Zoom-based Global Online MBA at MSM combines the flexibility of online learning with the dynamic engagement of an on-campus programme. Our virtual platform is designed to fully support your MBA journey, offering a range of learning materials, multimedia resources, and self-assessment tools to personalise your experience. The programme will not only deepen your business expertise but also enhance your leadership skills, broaden your perspective, and push you beyond your comfort zone.

For more details, visit our website or get in touch with Alina Prapagic at alina.prapagic@maastrichtuniversity.nl