Student Spotlight: Eli Abdou
Bridging Business and Healthcare: Student Volunteer Eli Abdou's Impact at Athens Wellness Clinic
Eli Abdou, an MBA candidate at UGA’s Terry College of Business, assumes a community leadership role by launching an advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness and securing funding to support the mission of Athens Wellness Clinic and expand its services.
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Read our interview with Eli below!
Interview with Eli Abdou, MBA Student, UGA Terry College of Business
Tell us a little bit about your background. How did you arrive at UGA’s Terry College of Business?
Before relocating to Athens, I completed my undergraduate studies in Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt University. I was drawn to the MBA program at the Terry College of Business because of its reputation as an exceptional place to further my education. The program's vibrant community, its proximity to my family, and the unique, accelerated curriculum designed for STEM majors particularly stood out to me. It has provided a fantastic opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurship skills, which I intend to incorporate into my future career.
How did you get involved with the Athens Wellness Clinic?
My involvement with the Athens Wellness Clinic stemmed from my interest in joining a local nonprofit board through UGA's MBA Board Fellows program. Initially, I discovered that the program lacked partnerships with healthcare nonprofits, which prompted me to look for local healthcare providers where I could both contribute to my new community and gain practical experience. I learned about Athens Wellness Clinic through a mutual acquaintance and was further drawn in by its compelling history detailed on their website. After touring the facility and seeing the impressive capabilities and resources available, I became determined to join and serve with this vital organization.
Tell us a little bit about your project (key components, time frame, your role in managing). How do you envision it will help the Clinic?
I am leading the new advertising and community awareness initiatives for the Clinic. Since starting this project, we have secured an annual $120,000 grant from Google Ads. My plan is to establish online advertising campaigns specifically targeting the Athens area to raise awareness about the clinic's vital services. We aim to launch these campaigns by the end of January. By increasing our visibility, I hope to attract new community sponsors and funding sources, enabling us to expand our operations and extend healthcare services to a greater number of residents in Athens and the surrounding areas.
What things have you have learned - and obstacles have you encountered - in getting the ad campaign project off the ground?
Launching an ad campaign, like any worthwhile endeavor, inevitably presents its share of unforeseen obstacles and setbacks. In the early stages of this project, we faced a variety of administrative and logistical challenges. These hurdles highlighted the invaluable support of the Athens Wellness Clinic team, who have been incredibly receptive and proactive in resolving issues. The experience has taught me the importance of a dedicated team and effective collaboration. While I anticipate further challenges ahead, I am committed to learning from and working closely with other individuals at the clinic to ensure the success of our advertising efforts.
What are your career aspirations after you graduate?
Upon graduating in May 2025, I plan to attend medical school. My experiences at Athens Wellness Clinic and the insights gained through the MBA program will be instrumental in shaping my approach as a future physician. I aim to leverage these experiences to enhance community health and make impactful decisions that will benefit local health outcomes.
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