A million-dollar question changed the direction of Aleksandrs Kalnins' life and led him to the Illinois MBA Program.  After asking a friend what she would do if she had a million dollars, she surprised him by turning the question on him:  Aleks realized if he could do anything he wanted to, he would become a doctor and apply his background in economics to help make medical systems more efficient and productive, particularly in his ancestral homeland, Latvia.  With that realization, Aleks left his job as an assistant to the chief economist at a Chicago-area investment bank and worked at a hospital while attending pre-med classes.

After completing his pre-med studies, Aleks worked for Latvia's new Ministry of Health for six months, analyzing the medical statistics reporting system and making recommendations to improve the healthcare system.

Aleks then returned to Illinois to attend medical school and subsequently entered the MBA joint-degree program.

"I want to find out from management and technology perspectives how to implement new technology and make health systems more efficient and reduce medical error," Aleks said. "A lot goes into that. You need good management and medical knowledge and a business understanding. Doctors don't generally listen to nondoctors, so this will allow me to be one of them but have the additional insight."

In addition to his work experience in Latvia, Aleks has studied in Munster, Germany and Paris, France. He is fluent in Latvian and French and can carry a conversation in German. 

After he completes his studies, Aleks hopes to return to Latvia and apply his new knowledge and skills. "They have socialized healthcare, but it is very inefficient," Aleks said. "They need good decision-makers with broad views." With his medical and business degrees from UI, Aleks will certainly be that type of person. He has already shown he can answer million-dollar questions.

Stephan Seyfert contributed to this report.